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View Full Version : Import Duty to UK on Canon BG-E1

johndm
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 02:22
Has anyone imported a new BG-E1 300D Battery Grip into the UK from the USA?

Just wondering which catagory they fall into for Customs/VAT duty, and if its worth importing as they are available on Ebay for about £60.

regards
gcogger
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 05:10
I'm not sure about duty, but it will attract 17.5% VAT (as does everything else!) on the cost including P&P. There will also be a handling charge from the shipping company - this can be over £10, depending on who delivers it.
sGu
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 07:56
you can email or phone up H&M Exercise to check, but i doubt there should be much on duty due to its low value, if lucky they'll just ignore it.
neil_r
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 11:31
, if lucky they'll just ignore it.

They will not ignore the VAT though :(

N
sGu
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 12:31
true, but considering 60 quid, VAT won't be that high, you still save money compare overall compare to "standard" UK retail price.

I was gonna suggest www.7dayshop.com, but there was a thread recently complaining about their bad service, and I've never ordered from them, so can't really recommend them.
neil_r
16th of August 2004 (Mon), 13:03
avoid 7 day shop, Ordered a 520 SD and a 1 gig CF just over 3 weeks ago, both shown as instock on their website. SD arrived after 12 days and still waiting for the CF. but hey why should I complain I am the guy that waited 6 months for his 1D MkII :D
johndm
17th of August 2004 (Tue), 01:30
Thanks guys,

Might give it a try.....trouble is, last time I got something from the US I was screwed for $50 shipping for a bit of plastic!

Will have to read those ads carefully.. :lol:
psk4363
17th of August 2004 (Tue), 05:00
From memory, the most HMC&E will sting you for is around 27.5% of the purchase price (and that includes import duty, VAT, etc.) which on 60 squid isn't too bad considering the cost of the BigHead over here in rip-off UK.

BUT (and it's a humongous BUT!) as you say be wary of shipping charges. I've recently paid $10 for the Magic Lantern book on my EOS 1n but had to pay $24 shipping from the US. Overall it was still worth it as Amazon are charging £18 + p&p with a 4-6 week wait (the fatherless lot! - can't say b******s!)

Cheers,
Barry