Importing motor parts from EU

Hi. I have today ordered a motor part from The Netherlands. The invoice I have paid did not include VAT and was charged in Euros. The total for the part and “Shipping and Export Documents” was €530 I realise I’m going to be liable for VAT and import duty, but how does the process work? Do I have to wait for a bill from HMRC before the purchase is released by Customs, or is this paid by the carrier and claimed back? The reason I’m asking is that I’m in urgent need of the item and wondered if there was a chance of pre-payment of the duty so it clears quickly.

Hi Paddle The answer depends on how the goods are being transported to you and what you agreed with the supplier. It sounds like your supplier is only handling the export declaration. If the goods are coming by courier or post they will usually make the import declaration on your behalf and pay any duties and import VAT due. They will then recharge the duties taxes to you. They will probably insist you pay before they will release the goods to you. They may even insist on cash on delivery. They will usually charge an extra fee for this. If you are VAT registered they need your VAT and EORI number so you can either reclaim the VAT or use postponed VAT accounting. If the goods are coming by freight then you will generally need to find a customs agent to make an import declaration for you. Again they will usually be able to pay the taxes on your behalf and recharge the amounts to you. If the goods . It is also possible to pay duties on line if you have the clearance details from the carrier. https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-for-imports-declared-using-the-customs-declaration-service

Hi

Paddle.   I would advise contacting the Customs and International trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 also checking : Tax and customs for goods sent from abroad      and  Pay for imports declared using the Customs Declaration Service  . Thank you.

Thanks all for the advice. Surprisingly the purchase is due for delivery tomorrow via UPS, and they have sent me an invoice for fees as suggested by Customs Oldtimer. I’ve paid this online and have printed the receipt so the delivery should go smoothly. Easier than I expected, although the duty due is 30% of the purchase price. Though that does include 20% VAT… Thanks again.