What’s REAL experience importing eg a computer or laptop from US to UK? What fees and how much? Ta!

[electropolitan]

Hi all. Anyone have real-world experiences importing eg a computer or laptop from US to UK? What were fees like? Was it just import-duty plus VAT, or were there extras such as "courier release fee"? All advice and pointers gratefully received. Thanks & stay safe,

Ep.

[pixiesen2012]

those of us who reply on this board are not the type to import a computer or laptop from the USA

try asking on one of the discussion boards

[electropolitan]

I see. I'm a newbie: which "discussion boards"? Here on community.ebay.co.uk?

[pixiesen2012]

yes here in the community

[redwick1]

No but there will be fees.

Would a laptop or computer work on our electical system as US is different

Starting 1 January 2021, eBay is required to collect VAT on certain orders delivered to UK addresses:

• Orders up to £135 sent from outside the UK
• Orders where the item is located in the UK, but the seller is not a UK seller

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-vat-treatment-of-overseas-goods-sold-to-custom...

Depending on the price you would pay customs and courier fees when it reaches the UK

You also have to take into consideration the exchange rate and the chance there is a problem and have to return the item to the US

You can check up on customs on the HMRC site

[electropolitan]

Thanks. I understand there’d be fees, but need specifics, hence question.

[redwick1]

I dont think anyone can give you a specific price

WE would not know what the courier charges are or the exchange rate at the time you 

pay as it varies from day to day.

As already said you need to go to the HMRC site and check for yourself

Over £135 you will pay customs but from what it says it depends on where it comes from

SEarch on google

Tax and Customs for goods sent from abroad

[electropolitan]

I’m looking for actual experience - eg “I bought for $500, paid £100 VAT and £55 courier fees” - ie as opposed to conceptual/generalities. Thanks.

[redwick1]

Well I am sorry about that but you may not find anyone with your actual experience on here as there are not many of us. I seem to be the best you have at the moment. You do have to do some of the work yourself. I wont try any more and just hope someone else comes up with anything better. I hope you realise we do this in our own time trying to help and can not always give you exactly what you want.

[plpmr]

best do your research on thre relevant UK gov site like -

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad