Import duty/tax on used instruments

[Rick Cadger]

I have bought instruments from overseas before, so I know that I am, in general, better off shopping at a store like TAMCO if what I want is available there.

That said, does anyone know what the situation is with importing second-hand instruments to the UK? If I saw something nice in the classifieds, how expensively would I get whacked by Revenue and Customs?

Edited for incompetent keyboard skills...

[Ray(T)]

Never done it but I understand you can probably add 50% to the cost to cover shipping/insurance/import duty and the dreaded VAT. Why don't you 'phone or email customs and excise? Believe it or not, I've found them quite helpful in the past.

[alisterhrae]

Dont make any difference to Revenues and Customs if the goods are old or new, They will want to add import duty at 2% of the value (inc uk vat) also including transport cost. Plus vat on the whole. So, you have cost of mandolin + shipping + 2% import duty + 17.5% vat. Best to get a cost price invoice!

Regards, Alister in Scotland
Collings MT2 from Buffalo Bros California!
+ lots of guitars from all over USA. (its over 2 dollars to the £)

[trevor]

Remember also that if you buy in the US your warranty is with the seller, if there is an issue you have to pay for shipping both ways (and dealer to maker both ways).

Also that you can also only insure for what you declare to customs. The customs guys know hat they are doing these days. I had a customer in a few weeks ago that brought in a Taylor guitar, they had a catalogue under the counter!! They also use the web.

And.. you don't get to play it.. and ...

[mandroid]

50p to the dollar must help soften the blow, a bit, wouldn't it?