Getting commerical items in personal courier

Hello, We are a small business and planning to get commercial items(like toys/games/bags) to sell in the UK from overseas(India) via personal air shipping. Can you please let me know if this is fine? Is it mandatory to get commercial items through commerical courier? If I can get commerical goods through personal shipping, at what point do I need to pay the vat? As of now with the planned model, the goods will be received at our business address with out paying any vat as no bill is produced to the peronal shipping agent. Thanks, Mand

hi Mand, You will need to specify more clearly what you mean by personal air shipping. For instance do you mean that someone is physically bring the goods into the country or are you using post or one of the courier companies like fedex, UPS , DHL etc?

Hello, when i say personal shipping, i meant through through different courier companies like Ups,DHL etc.. In the contents declaration form when booking the courier, the sender says the postage contains personal items but not commercial items.

Hello, can someone please reply

Please note -I do not work for HMRC but am trying to offer helpful advice from my experience. All goods on arrival into the UK are subject to Import VAT and customs duty when applicable. The couriers are required to submit a customs declaration and they will usually ask their customers for the taxes to be paid prior to delivery. You should provide a copy of your purchase invoice to the courier so they can declare the true value of the goods to customs . I would strongly advise that you do not declare commercial goods as personal imports or be tempted to undervalue the goods when they are imported as this may lead to seizure of the goods. Toys and games will also need to meet safety standards and be suitably tested and marked if you plan to sell them.

Hi
Please could you contact the Customs and International trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 with your question.
Thankyou.
Regards.

I want to send iPhone's iPods through LCS courier, can I send them? Will they cover insurance? I want them to deliver from UK to Spain and Protugal. 

 

Hi querybeast Business
You would need to discuss that with the courier and arrange the payment of Duty.
I would also advise contacting the Customs and International trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 to find out everything that will need to be covered.
Thankyou.
Regards.

When importing commercial goods into the UK, whether for resale or business use, there are specific rules and regulations that you must follow. Here are some key points to consider when importing commercial items for sale in the UK via personal air shipping: 1. **VAT (Value Added Tax):** VAT is generally applicable on the importation of commercial goods into the UK. Whether you use a commercial courier or personal shipping, you are typically required to pay VAT on the value of the goods. 2. **Customs Declaration:** When importing commercial items, you must make a customs declaration to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This declaration includes details about the goods, their value, and their origin. 3. **Import Duty:** Depending on the type and origin of the goods, import duty may also be applicable. Some goods may be subject to specific tariff rates. 4. **VAT and Duty Payment:** VAT and any applicable import duties must be paid to HMRC. You can do this through various methods, including using the postponed VAT accounting scheme, which allows you to account for VAT on your VAT return instead of paying it upfront at the point of import. 5. **Commercial Courier vs. Personal Shipping:** You can use either a commercial courier or personal shipping to import goods. However, the process for paying VAT and duties may differ. With a commercial courier, they often handle the customs declaration and payment on your behalf, and you may need to reimburse them. With personal shipping, you are responsible for customs procedures and payment. 6. **Record Keeping:** It's essential to keep records of all transactions, including invoices, receipts, and customs documentation, for your imported goods. These records are necessary for tax compliance and reporting. 7. **Tax Advice:** Importing goods can be complex, and the rules may change. It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor or customs expert who can provide guidance specific to your business and the types of goods you plan to import. 8. **EORI Number:** Ensure you have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, as it is typically required for customs declarations. 9. **Compliance with UK Regulations:** Ensure that the products you import comply with UK regulations and safety standards. Some products may require specific certifications or labeling. It's important to note that the rules and regulations for importing commercial goods can change, and they may vary based on the nature of the goods, their value, and their origin. Therefore, it's crucial to stay informed about current customs and tax requirements, and consider seeking professional advice to ensure compliance with UK regulations when importing commercial items for sale.