Customs duty, VAT, etc.?

[fo3nix]

I'm considering buying an SLR from the USA.

Value of the item is $480, with $60 shipping.

How much am I likely to pay to actually get the goods? At the moment I'm estimating around £100, in addition to the cost of the item and shipping.

Or is some of this covered in the shipping option? It's UPS Worldwide Express.

Thanks.

[ABerrant]

Assuming the SLR is digital it should attract no Import Duty (unless it is classed as a video camera, in which case Import Duty is 12.5%. This classification is dependent on the framerate and resolution of the capture). A 35mm film SLR attracts a rate of 4.2%.

VAT is of course charged at 15% and a Customs processing fee of around £20.

Import Duty rates can be viewed here...
http://tinyurl.com/1mp0rt-Duty

[onions_41]

I wouldn't think of buying anything from the US. It's a con and you know it. They ship used defective products to us knowing we'll not pay the return postage. The last item I purchased had 14 rubber stamps on it, 14 companies all taking a cut. Even the Post Office demanded a fee to release it. The product I purchased didn't work. Bitter experience but you live and learn.

[fo3nix]

Thanks.

Yes, it is a digital SLR.

onions: that really depends where you're buying from. I've ordered international items in the past with great success.

However, with the additional cost of VAT and processing fees, I think I will wait for another camera that is sold in the UK to come down in price a little, as the prices will match.