Importing goods from non-EU country

[BrightIdeas]

I have an ecommerce business and have been dealing with various suppliers in the UK. Recently, one of the UK agents (for one of the brands I'm dealing with) has decided to terminate its relationship with this brand. So, I have decided to deal directly with the brand themselves and will be importing a small amount of stock (approx £1.5k worth). I am not certain of the procedures for paying VAT/duty - or the timescales for the goods to be released.

I'm a little concerned as I need the goods ASAP, but I'm worried that red tape will delay things.

Can anyone advise?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

What is it and where is it from?

 

[BrightIdeas]

It's jewellery (costume) coming from Australia.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Unless you are importing blood diamonds, there shouldn't be a big issue.

If the parcel is under 20-30kg's, a courier may be the best option and they will organise the VAT/Duty payment, getting you to reimburse before they deliver. If larger, look at airfright, as this will probably be cheaper and a freight forwarder can hancle all clearances for you.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

BTW, make sure they are charging you an export price i.e. without their VAT....

 

[BrightIdeas]

I have paid freight charges and the supplier is organising the courier. Will they pay the VAT/duty for me to reimburse then? Is it as straightforward as that?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Check how they are sending.

If they are supplying as DDP, then yes, they pay everything, but this is unlikely. They are probably supplying via FOB - if sent by courier, make sure the box and invoice are marked - "terms - CIF - freight prepaid".

You will have to pay duty/VAT on arrival if sent via FOB, CIF, CNF/C&F etc.

 

[BrightIdeas]

Check how they are sending.

If they are supplying as DDP, then yes, they pay everything, but this is unlikely. They are probably supplying via FOB - if sent by courier, make sure the box and invoice are marked - "terms - CIF - freight prepaid".

You will have to pay duty/VAT on arrival if sent via FOB, CIF, CNF/C&F etc.

Had to google those acronyms... Well, I emailed my supplier, but not heard back. I think I will just need to see how it goes as the goods are due for arrival on Monday.

 

[fzqeric0414]

Hi, This is Shirley from YIWU, CHINA . If you need to buy jewelry from YIWU, you can contact with me .

 

[BrightIdeas]

Well, the goods arrived yesterday without any delay, which is good news. So far, nothing to pay.

What do I do from here? At the risk of sounding naive... if noone instructs me to make a payment for VAT/duty, do I need to ensure this is done to avoid a whopping bill at some point?

 

[harrison8097]

agree with him