UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
I'm trying to send a camera to Linhof Studio in England for a repair. I'm afraid of the possibility of a big hit on import duties or VAT tax through UK Customs even though the camera is not changing ownership - just there for a few days for service and repair.
Does anyone here know how I go about avoiding these taxes?
thank you.
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
The best approach is probably to ask Linhof Studio how to avoid it, and if they don't know, ask them to phone the Customs and Excise helpline to find out.
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
They didn't quite know either. I know when Custom bellows in England made a bellows for me, they had me put " IPR SUSPENSION” on the package, but I don't know if that applies to this situation. Maybe they can call the tax people and find out as you said.
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
If they are VAT registered (which I assume they are), they could just pay the VAT and claim it back as 'input VAT' on their VAT return - but that's probably not technically the right thing to do. I'll ask a friend of mine tomorrow - he may know.
The IPR SUSPENSION thing might work, but it might be that you have to pre-register to be able to receive goods that way.
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
mark the customs forms "return for repair" or something similar. what value are you insuring it for? if you can trust them only insure it for a bit and then you will have no problems. EMS mail from the PO is very fast and they have not lost any of my stuff yet. you can track it on line as well.
keep us posted.
eddie
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eddie
mark the customs forms "return for repair" or something similar. what value are you insuring it for? if you can trust them only insure it for a bit and then you will have no problems. EMS mail from the PO is very fast and they have not lost any of my stuff yet. you can track it on line as well.
keep us posted.
eddie
That's what Grimes wrote on my shutter, insured for the whole value... I paid the whole amount of taxes regardless...:)
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
I'm in the USA.
I think I'd pucker too much not insuring it:eek:
I went to the UK Import Duties webpage and wrote them an email. Maybe they will give me some good information.
I probably will contact the Linhof Studio again to see if they can help on that end.
If all else fails, I'll write on the customs form "in for repair" and hope for the best.
Since we're this close to the holiday, going to wait until the first of the year, although I would have liked to have the work in progress.
If anyone comes up with some good information please let me know.
Thanks for the help.
Robert
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
I usually put on the declarations form "temporary export for repair/service". Worked the few times I had to send stuff out for repair (although Canada-US, not across the pond).
Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?
In Japan, I have to get the customs office to record the item as being sent out for repair. This ensures that when the item is returned, no duty is charged in Japan. I was also told that it would help the repairer avoid paying duty. Perhaps something similar might work for you?
Kumar