Importing to the UK - VAT & Delivery info

[jampar5000]

defo doing that on any further high value prints. although the incoming one was my major iso, so i am laying off the expensive stuff for the time being.

[But-we-unleashed-a-lion]

I just realized that here in Portugal we have the same problem
They take 23% and should take 6%

[suchanoo]

I just realized that here in Portugal we have the same problem
They take 23% and should take 6%

Maybe we need to change the title of this thread to 'Anyone getting shafted by the taxman, report here'

[jjbehren]

Anyone know if Canada has similar art rules regarding VAT/Duty? If so, any info available?

Edit: I found this:

9702.00.00 00 Original engravings, prints and lithographs. - Free

Followed by a bunch of stuff I don't think I understand.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commer ... 11-eng.pdf

[suchanoo]

Maybe that code is universal then?

But-we-unleashed-a-lion, try searching for that code on the Portuguese VAT website, it could be the same.

[aahnutz]

Stickied.

[jjbehren]

Stickied.

[suchanoo]

A high value print (marked as $900) arrived from the US last week, successfully charged at the correct 5% VAT. It was shipped 'Express International' and handled, as usual, by ParcelForce.

I think the additional large print tariff code on the side may have helped catch someone's attention enough to look at the form properly. I'd suggest people use a similar method in future.

As always, any successful / unsuccessful attempts at paying the correct VAT first time, please post them here so we can learn something. Thanks!

Pics from the form and tube...

customsform1.JPG

customsform2.JPG

[mushetphoto]

BEST. POST. EVER.

Thank you so much suchanoo!

Just to give this a bump and to update that I'm 7 for 7 on claims. No rejections yet. I've been sending:

- Form BOR286
- Print out quoting the Customs notice (5% VAT)
- Print out of the paypal invoice
- Customs charge sticker
- Sender's customs form
- Print from the artist's website or ebay page stating details about the print
- Photo of the print with sig/#/hand finishing (haven't always included this)

I filled in a form electronically, as a template, so all I have to change is the charge reference number, which saves a bit of time. This is what I have written in the 'Details' section:

"Imported, limited edition, signed & numbered silk-screen printed art work. VAT should have been charged at an effective rate of 5% using 'Tariff Code 9702 00 00', according to HMRC Notice 702, section 11.1. Please see attached documentation."

I have also been highlighting all the important sections of each document, e.g. the '9702 00 00' number (when the seller has included it).

Just to clarify, this is the form I have been using:

http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kb5/hmrc/for ... ormId=5205

If you are not claiming back your VAT, then pull your finger out and start. One of the smaller pleasures in life is receiving a cheque from the Inland Revenue. It's a bit of hassle, but I'm already a few hundred quid better off for it, and it's gone straight back into buying more lovely posters.


Edit: I've also included the Parcelforce charge letter previously, but I think this is superfluous, so I'm not going to bother in future.

[jampar5000]

Stickied.

[deestar]

[FestaUK]

I just realized that here in Portugal we have the same problem
They take 23% and should take 6%

Maybe we need to change the title of this thread to 'Anyone getting shafted by the taxman, report here'

+ 1

[tranito]

Anyone know if Canada has similar art rules regarding VAT/Duty? If so, any info available?

Edit: I found this:

9702.00.00 00 Original engravings, prints and lithographs. - Free

Followed by a bunch of stuff I don't think I understand.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commer ... 11-eng.pdf

You got to be kidding me.

[jjbehren]

Have you been overpaying?

The expression "original engravings, prints and lithographs" means impressions produced directly, in black and white or in colour, of one or of several plates wholly executed by hand by the artist, irrespective of the process or of the material employed by him, but not including any mechanical or photomechanical process.

Sounds like giclees don't count, though.

[tranito]

Well, if ''free'' is how much I should be paying, hell yeah have I been overpaying.
To be honest, I rarely get hit with extra fees upon reception (declared value below $60 is free all the time), but when I do get import/taxes/duty fees, they combine for like 30% of declared value.