Uk customs, goods from China

[Knnatie11]

Hi,

Hoping someone might be able to help… I plan on importing some pet accessories (collars/leads etc. Nothing electronic) into the UK from China,What I’m a little unsure about is what paperwork do I need to insure my goods get through customs smoothly.

I know I’ll need to pay 20% vat and 2% import tax and need an EORI code. But apart from that I’m a little confused.

I've rung hmrc twice who told me two different things each time, first they told me if a courier company is used they’ll handle everything and I just need a EORI number and then they’ll contact me when I need to pay the tax. Is this true?

The goods will be shipped most likely with fedex, ups or dhl to my door.

If anyone who has imported commercial goods from China help, I’d be most grateful. Thankyou

 

[japancool]

I've rung hmrc twice who told me two different things each time, first they told me if a courier company is used they’ll handle everything and I just need a EORI number and then they’ll contact me when I need to pay the tax. Is this true?

Yes.

 

[MOIC]

The courier company will handle your tax and will request the money from you.

(insure - I presume you mean 'ensure'?)

 

[japancool]

Your supplier will need to declare the goods properly on the commercial invoice, preferably with the correct HS commodity code, which you can find here:
https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

If they're tempted to undervalue the goods on the invoice - tell them no.

 

[DontAsk]

I've rung hmrc twice who told me two different things each time, first they told me if a courier company is used they’ll handle everything and I just need a EORI number and then they’ll contact me when I need to pay the tax. Is this true?

Generally the courier will deliver, then invoice you for the charges (duty, VAT and handling charge). It's convenient but can be shock when the bill arrives.

 

[Knnatie11]

Thankyou all. That’s very helpful.

The seller in China is arranging the courier, so apart from waiting for a tax bill from the courier company there’s nothing else I need to do?

what do I do with the EORI code? Or will the seller ask for it when they arrange the shipping of the goods?

 

[japancool]

Thankyou all. That’s very helpful.

The seller in China is arranging the courier, so apart from waiting for a tax bill from the courier company there’s nothing else I need to do?

what do I do with the EORI code? Or will the seller ask for it when they arrange the shipping of the goods?

Give it to them, but if not, the courier company will contact you asking for it.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@Knnatie11 Well done for taking the plunge into importing, but before leaping, please ensure that you work out the full cost of them - too many people look at the purchase cost, do a simple exchange conversion and see ££££'s. When the goods arrive, they get hit by so many unexpected costs, it ends up being cheaper to purchase in the UK.

Check with a freight forwarder, but there was a point where if you went over a certain weight (about 70/80kgs) it became more economical to use air freight rather than a courier.

Finally, although it will take weeks to arrive, consider sea fright - you will save a lot of money.

 

[Knnatie11]

Thankyou. Yes it will most likely be sea fright with fedex, dhl or ups. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear in the original post. Does that mean theres different/ more paperwork that I need to complete?

unfortunaly I’ve been unable to find a manufacturer in the uk.

What other hidden costs might there be? I’m fully prepared for a vat bill, import tax bill, and to pay for product liability insurance to cover myself when I sell the products.

I’ve been quoted $600 for sea fright and almost twice that for air. Probably will weigh about 150kg.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

It probably won't be sea freight with Fedex etc.

 

[Knnatie11]

Ok I’m now confused what’s the difference between a courier and freight delivery.

I’ve been given quotes for it coming on a boat with ups and fedex?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

The famous couriers use airfreight - if they are stating days or a couple weeks, it is air.

These couriers tend to be better for smaller volumes but expensive for larger volumes.

If you have been told several weeks for delivery, it will be sea freight.

Speak to one of the FF"s, eg. @Import Expert, on the forum, they will be very helpful.

 

[Knnatie11]

Ok Thankyou. I’ve been told 35 days delivery.
How do I speak to an FF?

 

[Mike Foulds]

Hi.

There are alot of freight forwarders available, all of whom could assist (For reference, I work for one), I would doing a Google search for Freight Forwarders near you, and then contacting 3 who you believe sound reputable. I would ask them for 3 service options, and quotes, and then work with the one who best meets your needs and you believe you can trust. Don't necessarily pick the cheapest, as service, especially in these current times, is so important. Good luck!

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@Knnatie11 I should have also suggested @Mike Foulds to speak to!

 

[Mike Foulds]

Thanks Paul. Will do my best to help and assist as always

 

[Knnatie11]

Thanks for everyone’s input and advice you’ve e all been very helpful and I really appreciate it.

Another question…
My total cost of goods is around $3000.
I’ve been quoted by the seller/manufacturer in China $530 for shipping the goods to my door via sea on DDU terms. Which seems ok.

they also quoted me the same delivery service but with DDP for $680 which seems crazy cheap considering the vat would be $600+ once it gets here plus the 2% import tax. Surely this is too good to be true and some how they aren’t paying the full tax?