Import charges on ebay??

[A.BLAKE]

If i buy a set of forged rods and pistons off ebay from USA will i have to pay some kind of import charge when they arrive? How does the whole import charge thing operate when buying from abroad?

[Pauln]

Usually if you order goods over the internet from anywhere outside of the EU you'll be stung for customs duty and import VAT. The rate of customs duty varies and depends on the category of the goods ordered and their declared value on the customs declaration.

I ordered a bike jacket from the States a few years ago, and had a nasty surprise when the post man knocked on the door with my jacket and a large bill from HM Customs. Since then I've only ever bought stuff from within the EU, no nasty surprises that way

Paul

[Al-sw20]

in true UK fashion it probably costs more in wages and pensions than is returned in duty

[toxo]

I use this to figure it out, it's pretty close most of the time http://www.dutycalculator.com/

[Peter Gidden]

Import duty applies if goods valued over £135.00. Normally about 4%.

VAT is then charged on goods, shipping and import duty at 20%.