Quick question : Importing helmets from the US

[Duckyboos]

Say, for example, I wanted to buy this helmet from a US website:

https://store.bobscycle.com/prodimg/HLMT.HJC.CLSP.LOLA.PUR.GIF

https://store.bobscycle.com/browse.cfm/4,100120,1,0,0.html

Is it as simple as ordering and paying? Aren't there also some kind of import/customs fees to pay?

[trevoriv]

Not sure about Import duty but you will at least have to pay VAT and a release fee of around £10-15 to the UK delivery company.

Import duty wise though if it comes under clothing you are looking at paying an extra 12% on top of the price plus your VAT etc.
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[gmanxiii]

Theres a threshold where you dont have to pay any duty. I bought some tshirts recently came to 120USD including delivery, i paid 16GPB import duty and handling to Royal Mail. If they send it via courier like fedex or UPS then i think they may have different charges for handling.

Beware though helmet manufacturers sometimes do different shape sizes in different regions.

[edit] import duty i meant VAT as trev said.
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[Duckyboos]

I see.. it's all starting to add up...!

Is there any way of getting a dealership or retail outlet to import one? I can't seem to find this example on any UK sites...

[hmmmnz]

if you can get the company that you are buying it to state that its a gift, then you should get away with out paying any tax or duties.
ive ordered quite a few parts from the us, and have never had to pay anything
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Be aware that you can't use it on the road legally as it's not ECE, but only an observate copper would do you for it.

If it's got an ACU sticker you'd be ok for track though.
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[jonboy22]

I've just bought a brand new Suomy extreme helmet on Ebay from the states. In the UK it costs about £500 all in, I got mine for £270.

Technically motorcycle helmets and boots are VAT zero rated, in other words they are exempt from VAT. But then need to be EEC rated or something:

https://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000107&propertyType=document


However make sure the guy sending it to you says that its British Kite mark safe, and that it's VAT exempt.

The customs muppets got mine wrong and charged me VAT but not import duty, which is ridiculous...

Anyway there are a lot of savings to be had out there.....

HTH


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current bike: GSX-R 750 K6 stolen, found the next day in a van in Durham, returned to me 3 months later costing me my NCB and my excess...
last bike: GSXx-R 600 K4 - written off, now converting to track bike

[veeeffarr]

Just do what the manufacturers do and buy one...

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ACU-GOLD-LABEL-STICKER-DECAL_W0QQitemZ170200115193QQihZ007QQcategoryZ72278QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[kawashima]

Really stupid idea... but has anyone sent cash(of the country) by mail, and asked the shop to send the goods to you(with some change if there is)?
I don't know how to send money to foreign country properly.

[jonboy22]

Er don't think you get much buyer protection if you just send a wadge of cash.....

I mean what would you do if an envelope full of notes came through the door with a note saying "please don't rip me off, I live in a different continent to you and there's no way I can chase you down if you take my money, so please don't rip me off....."
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current bike: GSX-R 750 K6 stolen, found the next day in a van in Durham, returned to me 3 months later costing me my NCB and my excess...
last bike: GSXx-R 600 K4 - written off, now converting to track bike

[Kal]

Sending cash is usually a bad idea.

Creditcard is one of the better ones because of the safeguards.

Then there is debitcards and Paypal
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[kawashima]

Thanks you are right. I won't do it even if it's not so expensive.

[Kal]

Speaking of helmets that are only available in the US...

I want this in an almost sexual way...

https://www.kneedraggers.com/image_storage/9/2c/92c1376c01ac552b7c63352cc08e8695_rough.jpg

Acuma do some *very* nice shit...
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[jonboy22]

Speaking of helmets in a sexual way usually ends in trouble, especially if you're in a public place...
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current bike: GSX-R 750 K6 stolen, found the next day in a van in Durham, returned to me 3 months later costing me my NCB and my excess...
last bike: GSXx-R 600 K4 - written off, now converting to track bike

[J.K.R]

Planning on getting a Simpson from the US in a few months, Will let you's know how i get on

Already contacted a seller who's more than happy to put it down as a gift
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[Duckyboos]

Thanks guys

I've fallen in love with that lid in a very big way, and I'm tempted to just turn a blind eye to all the extras.

I'm also trying to find a UK supplier who does (or can) import HJCs but so far I can only find Oxford Products and they say they can't.

I wish I hadn't found it now!