For the UK collectors! I've had a quick chat with Mr Stiffler on PM. From the information I have avaiable, my experience and from Paul here is what I will round off. Here is what we know which will assist with other countries as well, depending on their tax authorities.
- The exchange rate for UK customs calculations
begins at the beginning of the month and does not fluctuate, right
@paulboland?
- If that is the case, and the exchange rate won't change for tomorrow 1st September then it is currently $1.31 per GBP.
- That means
$20 is just over the £15 threshold.
- You will have to declare at least $19, or
$17-18 to be on the safe side to remain under the threshold for custom duty free.
-
Do not declare as GIFT from a company. This will only attract attention.
Merchandise only.
- If you order items around 2kg of weight and over to save on combined shipping you are forced to use EMS from retailers. They won't use K Packets.
-
EMS attracts attention as customs suspect you may have something of value or importance in your parcel.
- K Packet does not attract as much attention.
- If you use EMS Parcelforce are the couriers.
- If you are hit with customs using EMS, Parcelforce will charge
£13.50 courier fee plus
20% of the value of goods and shipping. In other words, expect to be stung for around
£20!
- If you use K Packet Royal Mail are the couriers.
- If you are hit with customs using K Packet, Royal Mail will charge
£8 courier fee plus
20% of the value of goods and shipping. In other words, expect to be stung between
£13 - £15.
- Custom officials do make mistakes or just decide to give you a VAT bill anyway(!!) If they don't open their parcel and give you a bill then it is shame on them.
- If your parcel is opened by custom officials then you are pretty much busted! Expect to pay the correct VAT bill.
- You can do everything correct and still get a VAT custom bill
- So to summarise the best chances of not getting stung by a custom bill? 1-2 steels, K Packet, $17-$18, Gift, done, you should be okay
Hope that helps, we can now put this to a close. Interesting debate
Oh and StifflersDad did agree with me, it is NOT right to receive a custom bill under the threshold if we use EMS, unless they open the parcel of course!