Is this info correct?HMCE told me this: The only tax to be paid on importing vodka to the uk is the VAT.?

Question

Even though i spoke to uk customs, i still find it VERY VERY hard to believe that the UK gov, does't tax imports on vodka (only the VAT). WHATS YOUR VIEW? Many thanks.

Answer 1

Hi >
I feel that Her Majesties' Customs & Excise are not giving you the fuller picture with this.
Sure VAT is part of their equation, but also Import duties on selected items, such as vodka, electronic goodies, coats & hats, cigs & cigars, jewelry, cars
All of which seem to vary from time to time according to edicts from Brussels etc. adopted in the UK. points of entry.
The list could goes on.
It must be confusing for the C&E folks, never mind us harmless importers of bits & bobs.
I have had to go recently to the bonded wharehouse at Heathrow to reclaim a harmless prototype circuit board from the US, and had to explain in great detail what it was for. (A process control thing fo shiny eco-freindly power stations, incidentally). It took all day, and was still charged some totally unexplained tax of 20% of the declared nett value for the import.
You ask for our views - mine is that the system is neither coherent or understandable.
I look forward to someone giving more detail.
I have a goodly C&E friend in Dover, and he is confused as well.
All the best, pop around for a cheap, properly priced vodka.
Bob

Answer 2

If its for private consumption and EEC VAT has not been paid, then you are liable to pay VAT on it. If you bought the vodka in the EEC, then VAT will already have been paid. I believe that, when imported for private consumption, duty is not usually payable but that HMCE can refuse this concession at any time.

Imports for commercial purposes are quite different. I am not sure what you were told but it doesn't seem that you can avoid any duty as an importer.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageExcise_InfoGuides&columns=1&id=EXCISE_INFOS_ALCOHOLS

Answer 3

No they don't. some might declare that tax might reason different international locations to tax products made in and imported from us of a of america. (What products made in us of a of america?) besides, there's a much extra straightforward answer: in no way Tax firms on something. place the tax on the products and centers whilst they are offered by making use of the top person. on account that bisinesses perform on a income margin, that could decrease the fee to the buyer using fact the business enterprise does not be marking up that fee as overhead and including that markup to the acquisition fee. All income of a company is own income to somebody receiving it besides. Tax that income. problem solved. Oops. government does not like that. They could not use that style of a equipment to manage what they like to regulate!

Answer 4

There is duty and VAT to be paid, unless you are importing direct to a bonded store in which case you pay when it is released.

Are you talking about importing commercially, for personal consumption or are you bringing in a few bottles with you when you travel?

see http://www.direct.gov.uk/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/LeavingOrComingIntoTheUK/LeavingOrComingIntoTheUKArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=10026463&chk=5XNK/z

Answer 5

Do it, stew your brains, make a million, have a Boris mafia grandpapa - but - most of all be happy

Answer 6

yes its called duty