Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaj45rpm
I have used HLJ for several years but the last 2 kits I have bought into the UK have been screwed for import tax and a handling fee which makes buying them not worthwhile. HLJ will not mark as a gift so I guess I'll have to buy elsewhere.
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Even when items are marked as a 'gift' you can still be charged import duty/VAT. Also if the item is clearly from a company such as HLJ or Hobbysearch for example then marking it as a 'gift' is a waste of time as the 'gift' rule goes out of the window. Gift is only classed as a private transaction between 2 individuals, not from a company to an individual. So if a company marks it as a gift then you can still be charged. The limit for a gift is currently £36 from January of 2013 and that includes a gift made between 2 individuals. So even if you were sent a MFH kit worth £300 by your cousin in Japan and he marked it gift you could still be liable for import duty/VAT on £264 of it. Technically anything of £15.01~£135 is due VAT but not import duty. Anything of £135.01 or higher is due VAT and import duty if the import duty would be greater than £9.
I know all of this because I got vat and a customs charge recently on the Fujimi Suzuki RGV Pepsi. So I questioned the charges as it was actually marked as a gift and well under the £36 limit for gifts. The above is what I was told when I phoned HM Customs.
Even so I can't complain as the kit cost me £32 all in delivered and all charges paid. Compare that to the £70 that Grand Prix Models in the UK want and it still makes it a bargain with a £38 saving. Really it still is very worthwhile even with import duty to buy from HLJ or any other Japanese online shops..