The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Has anyone had experiences with UK customs and importing second hand watches from america?
What is the charge likely to be?

Any help is much appreciated

VAT plus a handling charge. I usually budget for a couple of % for the handling charge to be on the safe side, but it's usually less than that. If VAT's 15% (which it currently is), budget for about 17% in total.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Add approx 30% to the purchase price - you have VAT, duty and customs charges to pay - VAT 17.5% (or is it 15% these days ) - duty approx 10% - charges can be quite a few quid. so round it up to approx 30%.. you will be charged if it comes in from USPS

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Martyn Surrey, UK
Patek 5146J; Rolex AirKing; SD 16660; GMTIIC; Omega Seamaster 300m Quartz ; Breitling B-1

I've personally never been charged anywhere near 30% for imports.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yeah 10% import duty is high. Most places without import restrictions are generally 4 - 5%. Mind you these things do have a tendency to vary.

I think about 4% import duty is the current rate, plus 15% VAT, plus handling charges so around 20% is what I always calculate for.

Stef

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