Digital BW, The Print

On Wed, May 29, 2002 at 09:09:08PM -0000, k2_chittin wrote:
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Bob Frost" <bobfrost@b...> 
> wrote:
> >A \ufffd40 set of cartridges seems to escape duty, but
> > if you purchase several hundred pounds worth of stuff from the 
> States, UPS
> > or Fedex will later send you a bill for about 25% of the cost (as 
> I've just
> > found out!).
> 
> Sorry about this delayed reply.  I'm in the throws of moving flats 
> and am still flitting between rooms in 2 other properties owned by 
> family.  So I am catching up on the digest version as and when I get 
> the chance.
> 
> I wanted to share my recent experiences with duties for goods coming 
> into the UK.  What I have to say is OT but probably of use to some 
> list members.  Apologies in advance.
> 
> I recently had Colorvision send me a replacement for a spyder that I 
> bought from the US.  It was sent by UPS with a declared value of $50 -
>  approx GBP35.  When the UPS guy asked for GBP20.50 in duties and 
> handling fees, I hit the roof.  I refused initially to pay and 
> contacted Customs & Excise.  I was told that duty is payable for any 
> postal import over GBP18.  What a ridiculously low value.  UK based 
> list members will know that you are given an allowance of GBP135 for 
> goods you carry into the country in person.
> 
> Anyway, the C&E officer explained that duty is charged on the FULL 
> declared value if over GBP18 (ie GBP18 allowance is not deducted) 
> PLUS shipping costs AND THEN VAT is added to the total of that.  That 
> came to GBP10.50 in my case.  The sting in the tail was the UPS 
> handling charge of GBP10.
> 

If it was a replacement (was this for a faulty one?) then you should not be
charged duty or VAT at all - that would have been covered by the initial
purchase and import.

I agree that the UPS handling fee is tantamount to usury. I will never
purchase a product from abroad if they insist on sending it UPS.

I also think that charging VAT on the full shipping costs is also morally
wrong, especially when much of that cost is incurred outside of the country.

-- 
Tony Terlecki
ajt@...