[Fleecewife]

There's something on Etsy I really want to treat myself to, but it's coming from the US.  I did once import something from Canada, but I can't remember how the import duty worked.  Is that the same as VAT, or do I have to pay both ?  Any idea how much import duty will be? How do I pay it?   How long is delivery likely to take?  Is it all too much hassle or should I just go for it and get myself my birthday present ?      Any advice please?

[Womble]

Without getting into the figures, the simple answer is IF you get stung for import duty, it's likely to be quite substantial, and sometimes more than the item is actually worth (they add some quite substantial admin charges).

HOWEVER, most things bought in this way get through without import charges - they just arrive. One very common ruse is for the seller to declare the package as a gift, which doesn't attract duty. I'd expect most crafty things bought from Etsy and declared as a gift would be very unlikely to attract charges (I'm not saying that's right - just that it happens).

[SallyintNorth]

I've a friend has imported Trindles and other such things.  She reckons expect to pay a total of about 1.5 times the order price, by the time customs and VAT have been added.  I don't know any more detail, though, sorry.

ETA  - so what's the treat?

[in the hills]

We have bought items from Etsy from the US.

They were marked as gifts by the seller so no duty.it seems that inexpensive items are usually sold that way.

[Fleecewife]

Thanks all.  I'll check with the seller if she sends it as a gift 


Sally, it's a ...............

[clydesdaleclopper]

You generally pay VAT on the cost of the item including the cost of postage plus a handling fee of £8

[Fleecewife]

You generally pay VAT on the cost of the item including the cost of postage plus a handling fee of £8

Blimey 

[Fleecewife]

Thanks Scarlet.Dragon - I'd been thinking about that today and realised that I couldn't ask someone to lie  , but thanks for reinforcing that.
The good news from your link is that anything under a value of £135 is customs duty free    so just VAT on cost and P&P.
I'm going to be thinking hard whether I want all the hassle or will do without the item  .  It's nothing dodgy so wouldn't be seized for any reason.

[Lesley Silvester]

You've got to do one of two things now, FW: order it and tell us what it is when it arrives or don't order it and tell us what it is now. 

[Womble]

I think we should each put in a fiver to buy it as a gift for FW! 

[Fleecewife]

I think we should each put in a fiver to buy it as a gift for FW! 

That's a lovely idea Womble but don't you dare.  I definitely can't say what it is now   

[Fleecewife]

You've got to do one of two things now, FW: order it and tell us what it is when it arrives or don't order it and tell us what it is now. 

    

[Lesley Silvester]

You've got to do one of two things now, FW: order it and tell us what it is when it arrives or don't order it and tell us what it is now. 

    

That's soooooo mean.

[Fleecewife]

I know and I almost feel guilty  , but when you do find out it won't be half as exciting as you imagine.  Anyway, I'm still swithering. 

[Buttermilk]

Its a toy boy.