Import Custom charges for UK

[waheed]

This for for UK Customs only please.

Ive been doing a bit a searching around the web about customs chages that apply to DVD purchased from abroad, mainly USA.

Last time i bought a DVD while ago (Smallville Season 3 Region 1 from play.com - at time, not out for Region 2), I purchased it for around £33. However, Customs held it demanding a total import fee (which included administation charges) of £10 payable before they gave me the DVD.

As far as I know and been searching around, any DVD under £18 does not need to pay Import VAT. But I want to know, for DVDs costing less than £18, are they subject to any other charges of fees if purchased from abroad.

I want to purchase Columbo Season 4 when it is released next month on Region 1 from play.com for £17.99. I wont be out on Region 2 for a while and I cant wait (Im a big Columbo fan )

[e404pnf]

As far as I know and been searching around, any DVD under £18 does not need to pay Import VAT.

This isn't DVD specific. For any item over £18 you'll need to pay VAT, unless item is a "gift", the limit is then £36. I've had things shipped to me from the US but have never had to pay the duty. On the shipping sticker they usually tick the "gift" box, but even on the occasions they haven't it's not been stopped by customs. I think you were just unlucky last time.

And to answer your question...no there are never any charges for items under £18.

Your best resource are the HM Customs pages here...