milo

i want to buy a guitar thats in germany right now. the guitar would be sent to me via postage. would i need to pay vat and/or customs duty on this?

i know that i do if i order from non-eu countries, but what about eu countries?

thanks

Harry_Boy

AFAIK you can pay the ex-VAT price in the country of origin, then pay the UK VAT element when you import the item. At least, that what happens with cars....

Frosty The Snowman

Since you are a private person and not a VAT registered company you will pay the VAT from the country of origin. No duty to pay AFAIK.

john_s

iTrader: (1)

Sales to non-VAT registered buyers in the EU have to have VAT charged on them. Trade between VAT registered businesses has no VAT due on it.

And then as Harry_Boy says, cars can be bought ex-VAT and pay the VAT once it's imported. Don't know if that's a special case for cars or what.

There's no duty payable for shifting stuff from country to country in the EU. That (freedom of movement) is one of the core principals of the Union. As far as I can see, it will only be a matter of time before the UK government gets it's wrists slapped for the limits it imposes on booze imports.

John.

milo

thanks guys, but now im more confused than when i started

the guitar is used. so there is no "before vat price" in the country of origin. the seller wants a set amount, which makes it a great purchase at that price. however, if i have to pay UK vat and/or import duty, it would not be worth buying at that price.

GC8

Simply; if youre a private individual buying a guitar by mail order / t'internet then you will have to pay German VAT. There wont be any Import Duty; essentially you pay what the Germans pay and nothing more or less.

Simon

john_s

iTrader: (1)

As it's used, I don't think it will attract VAT as it comes into the country. As I said earlier, there shouldn't be any duty payable from within the EU.

Just to cover things even further, ask if they'll put a birthday card in with it.... "Dear Uncle Milo, I hope you like the guitar I'm sending as your birthday present..... Lots of love, Hans"

Or you could phone your local C&E office tomorrow and ask them what the definite position is.

John.

milo

thanks guys!

that sounds like good news. i will give c&e a call just to be safe tho.

GC8

You neednt; 31st of December 1992 was the last day for paying Duty & VAT on items imported from an EEC country.

Btw; the whole 'gift' and 'sample' nonsense constantly referred to on ScoobyNet is bollocks. There is a slightly Duty higher threshold with gifts from non-EEC countries but its still about £30; samples attract duties too.

Simon