Buying used markers from the states

[outkastmike]

I have seen a couple of markers for sale on the Nation i'm interested in but i'm a bit unsure if you still have to pay Import duty and VAT on importing used/secondhand items in to the UK from the USA.
Also is there any issue's with Customs and paintball markers with regard to paper work etc....

Any help from peep's with experience in bringing used markers into the uk from the states would be a great help.

cheers...Mike

 

[Dr Fingers]

I'd leave it unless your prepared to pay for the import. Never sure whether you are going to get charged or not. Did a straight trade with a guy Stateside (my Cocker pump for his lvl 10 mag) and got an £80 bill. Phone up customs and excise to point out that it is secondhand and they NEVER answer the phone even if you phone first thing when they open. Last month bought a secondhand Texas Storm G6r and paid no duty. All down to what the seller puts on the documents when posting. Not a good idea to ask them to put a low value on the forms as you can't then claim for the full value if it goes missing in transit.
Rich

 

[Game]

bought a few things stateside and allways missed the bullet if he puts present/gift on the documents it will normaly be ok and no selling reciept of course

 

[EELZ]

It's luck of the draw with customs and charges. some get passed some don't.

 

[outkastmike]

Thanks for the help chaps.....
I decided against the idea and got a Demon off here instead of all the hassle of getting a Luxe from the states

 

[spangley_special]

i get small parts from the b/s/t on PbN every now and again. never been hit with customs, but they never tend to be more than 50 dollars worth.

 

[Dusty]

No hassle with the fact it's a paintball marker, I did get hit once when I bought a gorgeous Karni though.

Sh*tting myself the whole time while waiting for it to arrive though.....

 

[EELZ]

anther annoying thing i've come to notice on some of the charges, is that when the seller states the value of the contents in $, UK customs charge you the VAT on that figure in £

! i.e if something is $100 they see that at £100 and charge you 20% of £100 instead of its converted currency rate 20% of £68

 

[Tom]

anther annoying thing i've come to notice on some of the charges, is that when the seller states the value of the contents in $, UK customs charge you the VAT on that figure in £

! i.e if something is $100 they see that at £100 and charge you 20% of £100 instead of its converted currency rate 20% of £68

If that is the case as described then you are entitled to appeal.

However customs can evaluate the value themselves and may not used the declared value.

Is this based on a statement of the charges (in which you have a case for appeal) or have you reverse calculated the charge?
If you reverse calculated then you need to take into account that the value is assessed and converted to £, then duty calculated. The courier processes it all and charges you an additional fee, the additional fee can make it look like 20% has been added to the $ amount.

 

[EELZ]

Tbh, I didn't care much, I was just glad the item arrived.! I try not to stress over money, far more important things in life. Just a warning for others really