Retro parts from EU to UK post Brexit

[thecellartroll]

Hi!

Has anyone been buying parts from the EU being delivered to UK since Brexit? Is it the nightmare that I imagine?

I'd like to buy a RAM module for an Archimedes. The RAM is new and made from new parts. It has been made as a "hobby project" and is sold by a hobbyist in a non profit making capacity.

How would VAT be calculated? He's not a company so he isn't registered with HMRCs system. Would I be looking at a mad value for import duty based on where all the individual components came from?

Obviously if even a penny is charged I'll need to pay Royal Mail their £8 handling charge

 

[Trapshot]

i've had things from Germany, France etc. without issue - maybe i've been lucky however

 

[miggymad]

If said item is not sold commercially, is clearly stated as such and also marked as a gift on the customs declaration then it is not liable for UK VAT/import tax unless it's value is £135 or more.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-and-overseas-goods-sold-directly-to-customers-in-the-uk

 

[thecellartroll]

Thank you very much

 

[alexh]

The last few 2nd hand Retro computing goods I bought from EU to UK that were over £150 the vendor has marked them "Item returned - irreparable" not quite sure why, I never asked them to, but perhaps someone somewhere has read this is a loop hole?

 

[miggymad]

@Alexh

Not something I would recommend, but I have heard of such things happening pre-Brexit days

 

[Harrison]

Item return or warranty repair declarations have always been a way to avoid import duty. When the PSP first came out I ordered one from the US before the UK release abd avoided input duty this way.

Just remember you are not covered by shipping insurance doing this.

 

[fitzsteve]

Hmm, so does mean whilst we have to pay Tax on items from the EU over £135 we have a more favorable limit on items outside the EU? It used to be something low like £30 so you could get stung with import and VAT for a single game from Japan for example.

 

[miggymad]

@fitzsteve

My interpretation of the rules seem to indicate that the value of an item before any import taxes are imposed is still £135, even if purchased from outside the EU on a non-commercial basis. Commercial sellers should however be pre-registered with HMRC before selling their goods to UK residents.

Others may read and interpret the rules differently but that's what it looks like to me.

 

[utukku]

I have had stuff from Germany, France, Netherlands and Denmark in the last 2 months. No problems at all.

 

[supaduper]

In all honesty I have had no problem sending or receiving items from the UK and EU in since the new year, and always put low value on the item but with an accurate descprition, the only problem I ever have is with items posted to me using UPSadaisy and FEDextra they alway want a slice of the pie so I avoid them at all costs and only use Royal Mail tracked and touch wood aint lost one yet

 

[thecellartroll]

Thanks guys. I'll report back when the RAM arrives in Sunny Scotland.