Hi Andrew.

I have question about importing LATEX/PVC lingerie and toys for adults.

Do I have to pay any other charges receiving this kind of thinks in UK (I know that VAT I have to pay)? I will be selling them online but I didn’t find anything about extra charges.

Thanks for fantastic website
Adrian

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for your question.

I guess you’ll be importing from China, right? Then yes, you’ll have to pay VAT and import duty when goods arrive in the UK. (Same would apply to any other country outside European Union – USA, Canada, Australia etc. On the other hand, buying goods from EU countries, such as Germany, Italy, Denmark etc. won’t require any additional outlay in a form of taxes).

Current VAT rate in UK is 20% (as of 20th June 2011).

Import duty varies greatly from product to product so please check accurate rate using this free online calculator.

REMEMBER!!! Import duty is payable on goods value only BUT VAT will be applied to TOTAL made of:

• Goods value (price you paid to supplier)
• Shipping
• Import Duty

So VAT is calculated on goods value + shipping + import duty. Just wanted to clarify this as quite often people are surprised to see bigger number than mere 20% on goods value.

If you’re using a courier for shipping goods from China to UK, then you don’t have to worry about customs, document clearance etc. As Courier Company will do this for you (for a reasonable fee) – you’ll simply have to pay invoice Courier Company will send to you.

If you’re importing as a company, you may want to take a look at EORI numbers as without one, courier companies won’t be able to release goods to you.

For more detailed information, make sure to visit HMRC website:

Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Andrew

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