Import tax to UK

Alfachats · Apr 29, 2023

Hello all.

I’ve set my heart on getting myself a Speedmaster Mk40 triple date (3520.53.00)
There are a few for sale on Chrono24 in my price range but none in the U.K.

So my question is does anyone know if I would have to pay customs tax on a watch from outside the U.K.? The ones I like are from US, Japan and EU.

Side note, I’m actually going to the US in July on holiday, would it be better to get a US watch sent to an US address and just wear it home?

Rog.

Shabbaz · Apr 29, 2023

A Alfachats
So my question is does anyone know if I would have to pay customs tax on a watch from outside the U.K.? The ones I like are from US, Japan and EU.

Answer: Yes. UK members will tell you how much.

Side note, I’m actually going to the US in July on holiday, would it be better to get a US watch sent to an US address and just wear it home?

Answer: Yes. Unless you get cought.

ken_hodson · Apr 29, 2023

Hi. To import goods over £135 you have to pay VAT (20%) plus customs duty of 2% if the watch is over £630.
I’d budget ~25% for shipping/insurance/duties etc.
If you wear the watch home, likely it’ll be fine tbh, but strictly speaking you will still owe tax/duty on it.

Davidt · Apr 29, 2023

There are also the handling charges to consider. These the fees the carrier charges for clearing your item on your behalf. This is often £10-40

DrmexicoII · Apr 29, 2023

I asked a similar question not too long ago - https://omegaforums.net/threads/buying-a-watch-abroad-from-the-uk.157207/

Basically budget up to 25-30% on top was my conclusion. Or buy from the UK.

lucian23 · Apr 30, 2023

I am not very sure if this work in UK ( I am from EU) but in my country if you received a watch marked as gift you can reduce the taxes.

Davidt · Apr 30, 2023

lucian23
I am not very sure if this work in UK ( I am from EU) but in my country if you received a watch marked as gift you can reduce the taxes.

Doesn't make any difference to import duty in the UK

BLOW UP · Apr 30, 2023

.. usually admin fees are added for good measure

Import tax to UK

Alfachats

Shabbaz

ken_hodson

Davidt

DrmexicoII

lucian23

Davidt

BLOW UP

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