Buying a camera lens from Japan

[neostation]

Hi hope someone can help. 

If I buy a camera lens from Japan for approx £300 how much is it going to cost in VAT and import duties etc.?

Any help would be appreciated.

Best Regards David 

[redwick1 · Accepted solution]

Goods Over £18 bought from outside the EU you pay VAT plus a fee to the delivery company  (RM is £8).  If over £135 you also pay Customs Duty.

As the importer of the goods you are responsible for paying the customs or taxes for your own country.

It is nothing to do with the seller.

When  you buy an item overseas then it says on the listing that you may occur other charges

If you do not pay then the item will go back to the seller and you lose your ebay money back guarantee so would be without the goods or the money.

You can find all the information you need on the Customs and Excise site

It is not just the import fees you need to worry about it is if the item is not as described 

Or if it goes wrong

Even if it comes with a warranty you have no way of enforcing it

[neostation · Accepted solution]

Hi thanks for the reply. I managed to find an on line calculator and it would add about £100 to the cost.

Thanks again for your help David

[corred · Accepted solution]

@neostation

You need to also factor in that the courier/delivery service will also add their fees for paying the charges on your behalf & depending on courier these can range from £8 - £25

Additionally if there are any faults with the item you would need to return tracked & insured to Japan at your own expense.....with new items you may also find as a Japanese model you cannot use the manufacturer warranty in the UK