I want to buy a watch from an american seller on ebay. It costs $1000. How much tax will I get charged?

Question

It will be sent to the uk. I think there's a limit of about $300 on things leaving the us?

Answer 1

Yeh the big problem is that the American sellers usually - somewhat UNhelpfully- put the actual FULL purchase price on the green "customs declaration" slip which is stuck on the outside of the package.

I'd be wary of buying bargains from the states because by the time you include duty, postage, insurance and VAT they are seldom cheaper than in the UK.

That item could cost you about 800 pounds before you get your hands on it.

Answer 2

You will be charged import duty and VAT on the cost of the Watch and the cost of delivering the watch to the UK.

The import duty is put on first which is not very costly. It is around about 40 - 60 p per watch if I remember correctly. (They are only really interested in taxing cheap imports bought in bulk when it comes to watches). The VAT will then be calculated on top at 17.5%.

I would say the tax would be in the region of £105 - £120.

Contact Customs to get a Commodity code and they will be able to tell you the correct duty rates - 01702 366 077.

Answer 3

You'll have to contact HM Customs & Excise on that. VAT at 17.5% is only the beginning. If the watch is dutiable the duty will depend upon where the watch was made. If the duty is 35% the total could easily exceed £250.00.

Answer 4

I buy lots of things from the US. I get charged Vat when it comes in, so 17.5%
But you can contact customes and excise and pay it up front.

Answer 5

Import duty & VAT will probably be about £210 alone

Answer 6

Email the seller and ask. Doesn't commit you to anything. Then go ahead and bid if you're happy.