importing a new machine

[rjm]

Hi Paul

I remember you having problems.

I agree with you that most often the cheapest deal can work out more expensive.

I don't think the savings are there as they used to be. I once imported a new Mercedes
from Holland (from a Saab dealer....but that's another story) and saved £5,500 on the
UK list price. The order took 7 months and I put 25% down as a depsit. Whilst I waited
the pound shot up against the Krona and I saved another £1K (making £5.5K).

For me and the missus to fly and stay in Amsterdam and ferry back from Hook of Holland
it was about £500.

About 2 months later I had a VAT demand for exactly £2K (the £5K saving includes this
VAT demand).

The greedy UK Government wanted their slice of the pie but I still saved a lot. However,
some insurance companies didn't want to know as it was classified as an "import" even
though it was UK spec !!!!!!!!!!!!!   At that time I only had a 1 year guarantee (rules have
changed now) rather than 3 yrs if bought in UK.

The savings aren't there anymore so not many people import themselves as they used too.

I'd import a detector if I was able to purchase myself, and bring it into UK myself, and make
a GOOD saving but I'd factor in the cost of a service/repair.

I'm told you can get a Deus for about £1100 to £1200 in Europe but if you need to pay for
flights/hotel/food etc are you really saving a lot?  And as Paul said, a UK dealer won't be
so helpful should there be a problem. You probably have to spout Euro legislation and
threaten legal action before they'd jump.

At the moment I'd rather pay a UK dealer and have peace of mind with a guarantee.

[bigjase]

intresting guys

[coleggwent(phil)]

i/ve been told by Gazza if it/s anywhrere in the EU there is no duty
for more info pm gazza

[rjm]

i/ve been told by Gazza if it/s anywhrere in the EU there is no duty
for more info pm gazza

I don't think this is right. It's free of  VAT up to £105  (went from £18 to £105 on 1/12/08) and then
it's subject to VAT.

If your paying postage and insurance on top as well it may not be as cheap as you think.

[coleggwent(phil)]

i know Gazza's wife export's sewing machines all over the EU so inthink his wife would know abit more try and pm him for some idea of whats what

[Chef Geoff]

I import parts for the Chef-Phones from 2 countries in the EU and export the headphones, Phil is right, there is no duty or vat payable on trade within the EU.

[rjm]

Hi Chef

Looking at the Customs & Excise site, I believe you are wrong, especially with items in transit.

With bringing in persnal items, you can bring in a reasonable amount for self use with regard to
cigs, alcohol from within the EU. Non EU is limited to a litre and 400 cigs etc etc.

As I said, you pay VAT on an imported car from Europe and any item over £105.

As you import parts for business you come under different regs and I rather suspect that you
have got away with things so far. I have found (not from personal experience mind) that you
don't mess with Customs & Excise as they have immeasurable powers. They can even estimate
how much they think you owe them, plus interest, plus fine and/or imprisonment.

Where have you read that you don't pay any tax on items imported to the UK either personally
or by postal transit??

(Just to clarify we are talking about VAT and not import tax)