Import tax exemption code for vintage items.

[theforceuk]

Hi everyone, just got an email from Royal Mail telling me I'm going to occur import tax for a vintage item because of the declared value. I purchased it on USA eBay, it's an ESB AT-AT driver MOC.

I've seen discussions on here about an exception code for such items, does this still work and if so can anyone help with it. Many thanks in advanced Adam.

 

[lejackal]

I thought eBay added vat etc themselves these days?

 

[monkey_roo]

I've never heard of exception codes for items - but Royal Mail are woefully inconsistent with applying import tax to stuff I find, somethings sail through others don't, always been random as far as I'm concerned.

 

[theforceuk]

Didn't on this one, perhaps I'll get smacked up with a bill from them as well. @lejackal

 

[sith-smith]

There is a code you can use that will allow it through customs at a much lower 5%. I discovered this thanks to UPS who phoned me up while at customs with a package they were delivering from Brians Toys back in 2007.

I can't remember the code but it is searchable on google. I used it a few year back sending something to the US.

 

[sith-smith]

Just found the code I used when Shipping to the US. 9503004990

 

[theforceuk]

Thanks @sith-smith very helpful.

 

[fett1972]

I have attached an example of what you will pay on 9503004990 from the HMRC import Duty Calculator. The VAT rate will be 20% and duty will be zero. If you have any questions feel free to ask

 

[theforceuk]

Ok @fett1972 thanks, will Royal Mail bill me for the VAT?

 

[Mini99]

I thought eBay added vat etc themselves these days?

Me too.
Every thing that I have bought lately has had the VAT added when I purchased.
I did have an item that I paid the VAT on at purchase and then got a VAT bill from RM, I questioned it with RM and was told that I had to pay it otherwise my parcel would be sent back, so I did.
I then contacted eBay and after sending them copies of my bill from RM, I got the VAT back that I had paid eBay when I bought the item….if you follow.

So did you pay VAT when you bought it?

 

[fett1972]

In my experience Royal Mail and Parcel Force require paying up front before releasing the item. EBay usually add VAT at the checkout depending on how much the item cost. Some items are exempt.

Customs will always base their calculations on the Commodity code the seller has provided them the declared value. Human error does occur

 

[theforceuk]

I can't see where I've paid VAT, it's not been added by eBay. Strange.

 

[fett1972]

May I ask what you purchased and have you received it? If you have received it who delivered it?

 

[theforceuk]

AT-AT driver MOC not received it yet, Royal Mail delivering it.

 

[lejackal]

I can't see where I've paid VAT, it's not been added by eBay. Strange.

Doesn't look like you did, possibly because it was a private seller/they didn't have the UK set up with a postage option.

 

[Frunkstar]

If you do a search on here I did a post about this many years ago, it took me weeks to get the correct code out of HMRC & it is a valid code & any still factory sealed vintage toys are only liable to 5% tax on imports rather than the regular 20%

It's not all good news though as I tried it, had an item sent from the states with the code in 2" lettering in red on every side of the box & it still got charged the 20% as they totally ignored the code, I did get it all back from them when I disputed it, but it was a huge chore, good luck!

 

[theforceuk]

Cheers Frank, I just paid the 20%. Couldn't be bothered with the hassle, Royal Mail said they wouldn't deliver it until the 20% was paid.

 

[Frunkstar]

Cheers Frank, I just paid the 20%. Couldn't be bothered with the hassle, Royal Mail said they wouldn't deliver it until the 20% was paid.

if you have the correct code marked on the package & the items are still factory sealed & over 20 years old, you can claim it back, but it is a huge ball ache if it's just a small sum, they know what they are doing & just expect most won't bother with the rigmarole of the claim process & TBH I can't blame them, I just run the gauntlet & have everything marked as follows - low value - sub 20 / plastic toy / gift, I tried to do it their way & was more than happy to pay what I should be doing, but not 4 times what I should.