Import duty

[ktompkins]

Hi
I am from Newfoundland, Canada. I will be in staying at a Paddington area Hotel for a few days mid-September. I was looking to order boots from BikerOutfit.nl and have them shipped to the hotel. The hotel will accept the package but I am wondering when the duty gets paid? If I can pay it online, no problem but if I have to get the hotel to pay it for me that won’t work. Anybody have experience with this?
Any information would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kelly
Ps. Looking to purchase Alpinestar Toucan and they are much cheaper than in Canada.

 

[wessie]

some EU retailers will pay the duty for you so nothing to pay on arrival in UK

if there is duty to pay, most couriers will email an invoice and won't release the parcel until you pay online

 

[Greg Masters]

The courier company will collect the VAT and Duty that is due, by sending you an invoice which must be paid before they will deliver.

 

[ktompkins]

some EU retailers will pay the duty for you so nothing to pay on arrival in UK

if there is duty to pay, most couriers will email an invoice and won't release the parcel until you pay online

My email address will be the contact when I order so if I can pay it online that will be perfect.
Has anyone ordered from BikerOutfit? They seem to have the best price.

 

[Greg Masters]

You should ensure that you do not pay VAT to BikerOutfit

 

[ktompkins]

You should ensure that you do not pay VAT to BikerOutfit

I did ask them. It is removed when you order but they say you are responsible for UK duty

 

[Greg Masters]

I did ask them. It is removed when you order but they say you are responsible for UK duty

To be clear, you will have to pay 20% UK VAT and, possibly, Duty as well. The rate of Duty varies according to the type of product. It might even be 0%.

 

[ktompkins]

To be clear, you will have to pay 20% UK VAT and, possibly, Duty as well. The rate of Duty varies according to the type of product. It might even be 0%.

Thanks for the information. I did understand that the UK VAT was 20% but didn't know there may also be duty. It is motorcycle boots so hopefully it will be 0%!

 

[geotim]

Thanks for the information. I did understand that the UK VAT was 20% but didn't know there may also be duty. It is motorcycle boots so hopefully it will be 0%!

Ca you claim the VAT as a refund when you leave the UK? Worth checking (assuming you are coming over as a tourist)

 

[PitaNaanRoti]

Boots are ppe so you might not have to pay the vat.
If you do then when you leave the uk you can reclaim it anyway.

 

[rossman999]

Boots are ppe so you might not have to pay the vat.
If you do then when you leave the uk you can reclaim it anyway.

Motorcycle boots are not normally PPE unless they meet certain requirement and they are zero VAT (and zero duty).

Protective equipment (VAT Notice 701/23)

This notice explains when protective equipment is zero-rated and children's car seats and travel systems are reduced-rated at 5% VAT.

www.gov.uk

 

[Mad Hatter]

Be aware that due to brexit it can occasionally take some time to get items processed, particularly if there are fees due, which might mean you are already back in Canada before the boots arrive at your hotel

 

[ktompkins]

Be aware that due to brexit it can occasionally take some time to get items processed, particularly if there are fees due, which might mean you are already back in Canada before the boots arrive at your hotel

I ordered the boots from Chromeburner and they are at the hotel waiting for me to arrive in a week. I received an email from FedEx to pay the duty. Overall I paid less than half of what I would have paid in Canada! Shipping only took a few days.
I have a rental in Athens for 2 weeks so looking forward to this! Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[Mad Hatter]

Great result!