Tax and duties on goods sent from abroad

Posted on 14th June 2022 by Streets VAT & Duties


Image to represent Tax and duties on goods sent from abroad

There are special rules to ensure that goods sent from abroad are taxed appropriately and thus not disadvantage UK businesses supplying goods in the UK, for example, by having to compete with VAT free imports. This includes goods that are new or used and bought online, bought abroad and shipped to the UK and goods received as gifts.

This means that to receive your goods you may have to pay VAT, Customs Duty or Excise Duty if they were sent to:

  • Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) from outside the UK
  • Northern Ireland from countries outside the UK and the European Union (EU)

VAT is charged on all goods (except for gifts worth £39 or less) sent from:

  • outside the UK to Great Britain
  • outside the UK and the EU to Northern Ireland

Online marketplaces that are involved in facilitating the sale of goods are usually responsible for collecting and accounting for the VAT. If the VAT has not been collected, then you will have to pay VAT to the delivery company either before the goods are delivered or when you collect them. If you have to pay VAT to the delivery company, it is charged on the total package value which includes the value of the goods, postage, packing, insurance and any duty owed.

As a general rule, there is no Customs Duty payable on non-excise goods worth £135 or less. There are various rates payable above this level and on excise goods of any value.


No Advice

The content produced and presented by Streets is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Furthermore, it should not be considered a recommendation or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or other form of financial asset. The information provided by Streets is of a general nature and is not specific for any individual or entity. Appropriate and tailored advice or independent research should be obtained before making any such decisions. Streets does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of obtaining Streets' visual or audible content.

Information

The content used by Streets has been obtained from or is based on sources that we believe to be accurate and reliable. Although reasonable care has been taken in gathering the necessary information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information we publish and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions in material. You should always seek specific advice prior to making any investment, legal or tax decisions.


Expert insight and news straight
to your inbox

Related Articles


How to Check the Creditworthiness of New Customers

Before extending credit to new customers, it’s essential to assess their financial reliability. Checking their creditworthiness helps protect your business from potential losses and late payments. Here’s how to do it: Start by requesting basic


How to Stop Future Payments on Your Debit or Credit Card

Stopping future payments from being made on your debit or credit card is crucial for avoiding unwanted charges and managing your finances effectively. Here’s how you can do it: The first step is to contact the company taking the payments. Request


Not all hurt feelings are uncapped & costly

The Employment Appeal Tribunal slashed a £10,000 award for injury to feeling by 80% after an original tribunal ruling was deemed not to be Meek compliant as it failed to provide adequate reasons for the quantum awarded. A Miss Graham was employed by

You might also be interested in...