Customs Tax Free Limit Increased To £135

[Hymie]

I regularly buy stuff on ebay from the Far East (mostly China), however in the past goods (including postage) over £18 were potentially subject to tax. Not only did you have to pay the tax (typically 20%) but there was an inspection fee of £8 for the privilege of having the tax levied. Sometimes the goods I received slipped through without being checked/taxed – but I always considered it was a possibility in the total price of the goods.

The good news is now the £18 limit has been increased to £135 – see the link below for more info (note the limits for tobacco, alcohol and perfume).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users

[barry1010]

I thought it had been £135 for many years, surprised the media isn't making more noise about it

[woofgang]

I think it may be the difference between VAT and duty....vat kicks in at a lower level.

[Bobbisox1]

I'm trying to buyBritish if I can from now on

[barry1010]

I've been trying to that for years, Bobbi - it can get very difficult. Even goods marked as 'made in UK' are often only assembled here with parts brought in from China or other far flung places.

[barry1010]

This is from 2018 and the limit was £135 then. http://www.infomania.co.uk/archives/526

I'm sure it was £135 in 2010, too, as I bought a phone direct from China for £100

[woofgang]

yes I was right, its the VAT that has the lower threshold and if VAT is due its charged on the shipping and any duty as well as the cost of the item AND there will be a handling charge. https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

[THECORBYLOON]

This explains the change,

"1.2 What’s changed

This latest version has been amended to show the increase in the level for which a formal customs declaration is required from £873 to £900. The Gift Aid allowance remains at £39."