Importing parts Canada to UK

[smithyithy]

Hi, has anyone ever bought parts from Canada or the US?

I've found a rare, full exhaust system on one of the American forums, the price is very good, and providing shipping isn't too hefty.. I've done some rough calculations on import charges..

But has anyone imported anything similar? Any experience with customs and taxes? There's no way to avoid the charges is there??

[sabian92]

Mark it as a gift?

It's what I do when I post stuff to the US or I get stuff from the US from friends. They mark it as a gift even if it isn't and I've never paid import charges.

[i.p.phrealy]

marking it as a gift will only work if the sender and receiver are both residential addresses. check with customs and excise.

EDIT: I have just started working for TNT in the contact centre, I'll check the rules tomorrow and get back to you.
____________________
it is impossible to lick your own elbow...
and if you just tried you need professional help.
Finally allowed a big bike 19/03/14!

[stickybackbob]

I bought a seat and exhaust (separately) from the US. Both were low value (the joys of ebay) so no import charges were made. Exhaust was $2 plus postage and seat was $15 plus postage.

The exhaust came through no problem but the seat was a lot more hassle. The sender had stated the value at $15.00 but the full stop wasn't very clear. Therefore customs wanted nearly £170 for it. Many phone calls and a long wait finally got it to me.

In summary, if you want to bypass paying import charges, the item needs to be a gift or it's value stated as very low....if the sender is willing to adjust it.

[smithyithy]

Well it's a private sale so addresses are residential, but the equivalent value is around £450..

The problem I can see with marking the value low enough is it won't be insured to the actual value :/

[Ed Case]

I used to buy Laverda parts from Nakusp in BC Canada, half the cost of buying them in the UK and usually arrived in a week or less.