Hi guys,

 

Anybody know the system of charges for importing parts from Japan and America. Mainly thinking of places like Z1 and dealers on E-Bay. Need to know for budgeting costs.

 

Cheers guys, Rob

Forgot who told me if you get them to send you the invoice in the post and put gift on the box you can get away with import duty. Dont know how true this is.

... not quite true.... customs look a things a little differently....

 

I've had stuff sipped from China, japan, US & Australia.... most of the time if the value is low they don't seem to bother and in some cases I've had parts that cost over £100 sent with no problem but if they do decide to check the goods they can put duty on them as well as Post office handling charge...

I bought a set of bonnet lifters form Oz on ebay (£30) and customs put another £15 on them.

if they can't determine cost from the invoice or label they will make it up them selves (estimate, to the point of opening the box and checking the goods).

So its more down to luck... however as jmwuk says you seem to have a better chance if they write "gift" or "used car parts" on the package.

but again you still might get stung.... good luck..

I've always gone with 20% as a rough price to add onto the total with shipping for expected charges. Has always worked out about right in the past.

 

if you try and cheat on charges, and it gets lost or damaged in transit then your screwed for insurance payout.