Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 34

Thread: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    280

    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.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    195

    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.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    280

    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.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    195

    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.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,408

    Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?

    Where are you located?

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Milford Pa.
    Posts
    2,930

    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
    My YouTube Channel has many interesting videos on Soft Focus Lenses and Wood Cameras. Check it out.

    My YouTube videos
    oldstyleportraits.com
    photo.net gallery

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    2,474

    Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?

    Quote Originally Posted by eddie View Post
    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...

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    280

    Re: UK Import Duties on Camera for Repair?

    I'm in the USA.
    I think I'd pucker too much not insuring it
    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

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    162

    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).

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    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

Similar Threads

  1. Luxurious Cameras vs. Plain Jane Cameras and your Camera of Choice!
    By audioexcels in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 86
    Last Post: 29-Feb-2012, 23:12
  2. Gandolfi documentary film
    By C.A in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 7-Mar-2006, 03:37
  3. 4x10 Canham Holders do NOT fit my Lotus Camera
    By Kerry L. Thalmann in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 5-Jan-2005, 19:00
  4. SHEN HAO 4x5 wooden camera: Love at first sight!
    By Geoffrey_1456 in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 25-Jan-2002, 14:17
  5. Ebony Camera - what a beauty! A first time user's comments - long post.
    By Peter Brown in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 22-Oct-2001, 19:09

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •