I was charged 30% of value of item in import tax - is this right?

[jane1703]

Hi,
I recently bought a 35mm film scanner from the National Geographic in the US. It is a small piece of equipment, about 6x4x4", which scans 35mm film and converts it into digital format. The one i wanted is not yet available in the UK. I purchased it from National Graphic, US for $99.99 and paid $65 for 3-4 day delivery. I was out when it arrived, but UPS had left a card through my door, advising when they would re-deliver, but also stating that I owed a further £26.10. When I questioned this, they said it was import/customs tax. £26.10 is more than 50% of the value of the item. Does anyone know whether this is correct, or how I can check it, or should National Geographic have advised me that I would be charged this? Also I was told that I could refuse the item, but it wouldnt be returned to NG for refund, it would just be left with Airport Customs, I'm in a no win situation.
Please help!!!!

[Kevboy_telford]

Hi Jane
first place to look would be here
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...yType=document
you would have to pay 17.5% vat and then duty on top (2%)
also UPS would have charged about £10 to do this for you as well!!

Kevin

[jane1703]

Thank you for that, I will check it out.

[patdavies]

There is no way that NG can be liable. As a US company, they don't know

a) the rate of duty payable for every country in the world, and
b) whether the item would be 'caught' by HMRC.

What you are having to pay is

1) Duty
2) VAT
3) handling charges to UPS for acting as import agent

However, you shouldn't have had to pay State sales tax