There seems great confusion over the payment of customs duties on DVDs ordered from the USA. I spoke to H.M.Customs and Excise and was given the following information:
C.I.S. value is the Cost of the Contents Including Shipping
Items which are excluded from duties:
- Parcels under £18 C.I.S. value
- Parcels under £36 C.I.S. value, if the parcel is a GIFT, the parcel must be marked to that effect.
Breakdown of the charges if your parcel is over £18 (or £36 for a gift):
- Import Duty: 3.5% of the C.I.S.
- VAT: 17.5% on everything (C.I.S + Import duty)
Note: If you are using a carrier company, BEWARE! They charge an additional handling charge to get them through customs quick (not-optional), UPS charge £10. My advise it to stick to normal US Airmail or US Priority Airmail it is cheaper, generally quick (1 week) and it has a knock-on effect on the cost of everything as the C.I.S. value is lower. So it isn't the end of the world but it is worth bearing in mind. Having spoken to many people, not every parcel gets checked and you might be lucky, it is impossible for every parcel entering the UK to be inspected. Assume you will be charged and then if you don't then it's a bonus! I am being sent some more information by C&E with contact information encase of a query regarding your shipment. If you think you have been incorrectly charged then give them a ring they'll be able to help. If using a carrier company, ring their post-flights department. Carrier companies ask for the money owed when it is delivered, I haven't received anything in standard Airmail which isn't a gift yet but I have been told that you receive a letter from C&E a few days after your parcel arrives. You know if your going to get charged if there is a sticker on the parcel 'Inspected By Customs'.
I hope this clears things up!
