"Stephen Judge" wrote in message
...
Now that I'm starting to upgarde to some hi-end (just) gear I am feeling
the
pain with UK prices.

Why do items that are manufactured in say China, or NZ, cost so much more
here than in, say, the US.
They have to be exported to both countries (e.g. from NZ to the US and the
UK), both have tax to pay and import duty etc. Sure there are relatively
small differences in taxes and freight but nowhere near the 60% price
differentials encountered. For example the Plinius M16 pre-amp costs
£3,400
here but the equivalent of £1,600 in NZ !

I'm wondering whether it is possible / worthwhile to try and import direct
from foreign manufacturers or dealers and pay Customs and Excise their
dues.

Anyone done anything similar ?

Particulalry interested in stuff from NZ as they have the same voltahe as
us. Not worried about dealer warranties (I'll take the risk).

Stephen


Hi Stephen,

I've tried this with Jeep accessories from the USA. Those lovely people at
the
Customs and Excise seem to levy import duty and VAT on the assumed UK value
of the item - i.e. the UK retail price - regardless of what you actually
paid for it.

An example, UK Jeep dealer quotes me £450 + VAT for parts. I get them for
$299 plus
$49 shipping from a stateside dealer. I then have to pay £185 VAT and duty.
So although it's
still cheaper, it's *not* half price.

As long as you don't expect a 50% saving, you won't be disappointed.

HTH - Dave



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In ,
Dave Dixon typed:
Hi Stephen,

I've tried this with Jeep accessories from the USA. Those lovely
people at the
Customs and Excise seem to levy import duty and VAT on the assumed UK
value of the item - i.e. the UK retail price - regardless of what you
actually paid for it.

An example, UK Jeep dealer quotes me £450 + VAT for parts. I get them
for $299 plus
$49 shipping from a stateside dealer. I then have to pay £185 VAT and
duty. So although it's
still cheaper, it's *not* half price.

As long as you don't expect a 50% saving, you won't be disappointed.

HTH - Dave

Hi

That is simply not correct. The US dealer should have declared the correct
value of the goods on the customs declaration.

Also, you didn't specify exactly what the parts were but almost all vehicle
parts have a TARIC code which rates them at 0% for duty.

So you should have paid somthing like:-

348 USD == Approx 217 GBP + VAT of just 38 GBP.

If you paid 185 VAT and duty then you were completely and utterly shafted
out of 150 quid - all because your supplier didn't place a correct
declaration on the goods.

I would seek recompense from someone if I were you!

Steve