Import Duty
 

Does anyone know the current rate of import duty?? is it just VAT?

Does it depend on the originating location?

I orderd a kit from Japan recently and think i had to pay about £35...

There's some good information and calculators here:-

http://www.ukimports.org/dutyvat.html

It depends on how the item is described. If it is a gift, you are charged import duty on the cost of the item alone, and then VAT on the item+duty.

If it is a commercial good, the the duty is calculated on the item cost+postage, then Vat=item cost+postage+duty then 15%Vat

Some info from the horses mouth...

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...yType=document

if you have had it listed as scale model cars or parts it should be free but they still charge delivery and vat usually 8.95 for std post and 12.95 for fast post, import duty is ususally 2%