EU to UK import costs

domforr

Hi, I'm sure this has been asked many times in recent times, but what would the post Brexit import costs now be when buying a used instrument from Spain and shipping to the UK? (I think I'm scared to know the answer)

ToneControl

total including shipping and insurance + around 25%

domforr

I feared as much :-( But thanks for clarifying. 

ToneControl

or zero if you live in Northern Ireland

domforr

I live in Northern London. Does that count?

ToneControl

domforr said:

I live in Northern London. Does that count?

no,
just mentioning a workaround that some people use

Also some people just carry guitars back as hand luggage, and don't declare them

domforr

Sadly I have no friends or relatives in NI. Might actually be cheaper to fly to Spain and pick it up. Absurd

idiotwindow

domforr said:

Might actually be cheaper to fly to Spain and pick it up.

It would be for any guitar worth a grand or more but you would run a small risk of having to declare it on your return and ending up paying the VAT and duty anyway. You also then have the problem of safely stowing the guitar (e.g. buying an extra seat) on the flight.

Gilly

Brexit - the gift that keeps on giving.

domforr

Basically there is no good option here, unless maybe he declares it at a lower value for customs. Not sure if that would impact on insurance though?

idiotwindow

domforr said:

Basically there is no good option here, unless maybe he declares it at a lower value for customs. Not sure if that would impact on insurance though?

Well, no insurance will cover for greater than the declared value. You also put the seller in an awkward position because you are asking him/her to make a false declaration.

Incidentally, how valuable or rare is the guitar you are hoping to buy?

domforr

Gilly said:

Brexit - the gift that keeps on giving.

and yes, it's certainly proving to be a great help in all aspects of life

domforr

idiotwindow said:

domforr said:

Basically there is no good option here, unless maybe he declares it at a lower value for customs. Not sure if that would impact on insurance though?

Well, no insurance will cover for greater than the declared value. You also put the seller in an awkward position because you are asking him/her to make a false declaration.

Incidentally, how valuable or rare is the guitar you are hoping to buy?

It's actually a lute made in 1969 and it's going for about £1800. It's a good deal, but when you start adding everything up it becomes a lot less attractive. 

guitarjack66

Gilly said:

Brexit - the gift that keeps on giving.

Who'd have known,eh!

djmusicman

Depends how much of a stickler for rules you are really. Decouple the shipping and insurance. Declare low value on the shipping documents and insure privately through Secursus. Everyone’s a winner, except the Taxman (what a pity!) 

ScreamingDave

guitarjack66 said:

Gilly said:

Brexit - the gift that keeps on giving.

Who'd have known,eh!

Begone, doom mongers!  Everything is great since Brexit.  There’s ……. er ……… and, er ……… 

hang on, I’ll get back to you ……