MX-5 OC Forum

I've just ordered a personalised Voodoo Magnum knob from Knobmeister ( http://www.knobmeister.com/page1.php) and wonder if its likely to incur any customs duty on delivery. Does anyone have any experience?

It depends on the declared value and whether the exporter declares the goods as "samples with no commercial value".

Worst case you will also be liable for VAT and handling charges at this end.

If it's worth more than £18 (£40 if declared as a gift, but you can't get a refund on a gift and if there's a sales receipt inside you're in trouble) then yes you will have to pay VAT and possibly duty, plus £8 to Parcelforce for collecting the VAT on your behalf.

Import duty is only payable on goods imported from outside the EU if over £120 in value and will not be collected if the import duty itself is less than £7. VAT and the Parcelfarce handling charges will be the killer here.

niggle:

Import duty is only payable on goods imported from outside the EU if over £120 in value and will not be collected if the import duty itself is less than £7. VAT and the Parcelfarce handling charges will be the killer here.

 

£135 and £9 now.

See HMRC web site.

VAT should be payable if goods are worth more than £18.

Having said that I recently imported a Voodoo knob from Thompson Automotive in California. It was correctly declared at $36 but I was not charged any VAT.

 

the carrier used seems to make a difference, I seem to get clobbered every time someone ships me something using FedEx...

Thanks for your input guys, I'll wait & see, I think it will come US Postal service airmail, I'll let you know what happens. I do like some of the offerings you see in the US - have a look at http://www.autoxpressions.com/ and weep. Cheers

Just got the Voodoo Magnum Pearl Aluminium Gearshift knob from “Knobmeister” at www.knobmeister.com e-mail joe@knobmeister.com This carried the 6 speed plus reverse gear layout and had been personalised with “Second Childhood” engraved round the equator of the sphere. Ordered 2nd September, dispatched on the 3rd September, arrived 10th September. Cost $85 including postage, great finish, fits the car like original and feels very nice. F.Y.G. no import duty or tax charged. Cheers