US custom charges to UK?

[Kevindale222 3]

Hey. Does anyone know the duty charges for buying items from USA and having them shipped to UK? I want an item from reef photo which is considerably cheaper than my local photography place but am worried once tax, duty shipping etc is inc would it be worth just buying it from Uk?

 

what are peoples experiences with this. The item is a Zen 25mm extension ring from Oly PT-EPxx housings to accommodate the oly 60mm macro lens in the Zen 45mm flat port.

 

Many thanks.

[nortoda1 13]

It's not US that will charge you, it is UK import vat. You'll pay 20% of the items value and 10-20stg handling fee from whatever courier you use

 

 

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[Alex_Tattersall 90]

You also have to pay import duty which will be between 4% and 15% depending on the harmonised code of the item being imported. Then the 20% VAT and the handling charge of the courier. That unfortunately is why things cost more in the UK.

[nortoda1 13]

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/

 

 

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[Kevindale222 3]

Thanks guys. Still maybe cheaper than the quote I have in England. .

[smk82 11]

It can still prove to be quite expensive. I recently bought in some parts to repair my dive wing as I couldn't get them in the uk, and the import duties were more than the parts!

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

You didn’t ask us for a quote. We can get you Zen products if you prefer.

[markprior 0]

With the US$ at almost 1.7 it generally pays to take a gamble. Many items are priced pound for dollar in the UK.

 

I recently bought some items (including a housing) overseas for USD3000 and total customs charges were only £120. My saving over UK pricing was around 50%.

 

The customs charges are not consistently applied so in my experience it is well worth rolling the dice as even with full possible charges its likely to be a significant saving and could be better than that if you are lucky.

 

Of course it goes without saying that supporting UK businesses is a good thing to do and they can provide a much better level of service and support than anyone overseas.

Edited May 18, 2014 by markprior

[Kevindale222 3]

Thanks markprior. I'll PM you Alex.

[thetrickster 328]

Not sponsored to do/say this....

 

But, Alex and UWVisions are exceptional - it does pay to have service, not just price. Especially for something that needs constant service, care and spares!

 

My wallet is still warm from the last time I called him. Lol.

 

 

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[Alex_Tattersall 90]

Thanks Trickster!

 

For info, we pitch all our prices to the US$ price so subject to minor fluctuations, people pay the US$ price plus the VAT for the UK. It is not a 1:1 dollar to £ ratio at all. For example

 

So whereas the US$ price for the EM10 is $1350, our price is £1030. Exchange rate US$ plus VAT. Shipping outside the EU to destinations with no local dealer will make the price approx $1350 also.

[Kevindale222 3]

Alex can you get me a price on the item I PM you about. Please.

[markprior 0]

That's just another great reason to buy Nauticam.

 

Blatant profiteering in the UK on underwater photography is rife. I am currently looking at a Sea&Sea 45 Viewfinder:

 

Overseas Price: US$ 650

UK Price: GBP 830

 

Its difficult to see how this UK price could have been arrived at and as a consumer it is difficult to not look overseas.

[Alex_Mustard 0]

I recently had to pay £15 to get a set of my own AA rechargeable batteries back, which I lent a friend on a trip!

[Kevindale222 3]

Haha.

 

The item I am after is the Zen extension ring which fits to Zen 45mm flat port and allows the use of the 60mm oly mms to lens inside flat port on PT-EPxx housings.

 

US price =$99 ($75 DHL express delivery.) + custom charges/handling fees

 

UK price= £152 no delivery. Can pick u from London.

 

What are people thoughts?

 

Thanks.

[Alex_Tattersall 90]

I can do it for £80 as I said.

[nortoda1 13]

Markprior, if your looking to get sea and sea stuff, don't rule out Japan. The yen is very weak at the moment. I have ordered housings, ports and 45 viewfinder from these guys and never an issue. http://www.uwdigitalcamera.com/store/home.php

 

 

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[okuma 64]

Well if you want to screw your government taxing body do this.

Have the parts shipped to a US friend who will repost them to you as used bicycle parts.

[Kevindale222 3]

TheTrickster you weren't wrong. Well apart from there was good service and good price. .

 

My issue is all sorted no thanks to mr Alex_tattersall.

 

Thanks a lot and thanks to everyone on Wetpixel.