bringing rc electrical parts back from the US

[Crazy L]

Hi guys

I'm off to the big apple next month and since there's a model shop a few blocks away from our hotel I was planning on bringing back servos for my 500 size heli. Has anyone else done something similar? If so, what's the general practise? In hand luggage, in hold, loose, in packaging? Throw away receipts to avoid cutoms etc? Any advice much apprec'd. Ta.

[i4n]

I've brought back ESC and Transmitters in the past (as well as a Losi XXX-CR and spares) with no problems.

I put them in my hold bags still in the boxes, making sure they were on the top and put the receipts next to them. My bags were opened, but by the TSA in the USA and not the UK and (they put a leaflet in the bag to let me know) but everything was pretty much where I put it. I guessed that as they were obvious what it was (box and receipts) that they were happy.

I (rightly or wrongly) just walked through the green channel on my return looking innocent!

This was 5/6 years ago so things may have changed now and someone else might give you better advice.

[SlowOne]

From HMRC's website on things brought in from outside the EU. This is over and above your allowance for tobacco and alcohol.

"Other goods including perfume and souvenirs
You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 without having to pay tax and/or duty.
If you arrive by private plane or private boat for pleasure purposes, you can only bring in other goods worth up to £270 tax and duty free.
If you bring in any single item worth more than your allowance, you must pay duty and/or tax on the full item value, not just the value above the allowance. You also cannot group individual allowances together to bring in an item worth more than the limit."

That's per person. Inside the EU there is no limit. I always put stuff in hold baggage, and like the idea of having the receipts on the top of the boxes/bags as it shows you are being open about what you are doing which often helps with any conversation at Customs. HTH

[Crazy L]

Cheers guys, almost different ends of the spectrum there. I only want some servos, lol. I'll bung them in my case, with my tsa approved padlock, and take it on the chin me thinks.

[neallewis]

Remove any baulky and un-needed packaging, post it if you really need it. Stick the items in your hold baggage, motors, spares, tyres, etc. Pack them in your clothes/shoes and other items.
"Use" the items if you can, e.g. electronics, etc. I'd keep receipts separate from the items, and separate from each other, but be able to pull them out if you get inspected. Who's to say you didn't bring the items with you in the first place if its used?
They aren't really looking for a few RC items, normally cases full of high ticket items, designer clothes or fakes, bushmeat/exotic pets, food stuffs, drugs, fags and booze.

[Crazy L]

Cheers guys for the tips I have another "issue" now. Just found out there's a Lego store a few blocks away too lol

[neallewis]

I have that problem too, now they opened one in Leeds.

[ClydeBuilt]

Originally Posted by Crazy L

Hi guys

I'm off to the big apple next month and since there's a model shop a few blocks away from our hotel I was planning on bringing back servos for my 500 size heli. Has anyone else done something similar? If so, what's the general practise? In hand luggage, in hold, loose, in packaging? Throw away receipts to avoid cutoms etc? Any advice much apprec'd. Ta.

Which stores that then fella?

I struggled to find much on our trip a couple of years back and had to travel to Nassau County- Glenhead by train to get anything I wanted.
We were also limited to £50 per person, the amounts you guys are quoting are much better.