Import duty/ Vat on classic car parts from USA

[anjum]

Has anyone got any clarification on whether classic car parts for a british classic car are exempt from duty or the rates that apply?
Or who to contact to ask, been looking on the HMR site and none the wiser?!

 

[Bullet2012]

Duty and vat are chargeable on any import ( legally)

 

[Mee]

On many occasions you may get away with it, if so then don't object when you do have to stump up.

 

[Gareth J]

If they're originally made in the uk (EU) then potentially, no.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-of-origin

New and from the US, yes.

 

[wristpin]

VAT is potentially chargeable on all imports but duty and the rate of duty is by commodity and may be nil. Back in a different life I was importing mechanical components from the USA and by careful " choice " of description and making sure that the supplier quoted the right category on the documentation the system could be used to advantage.
When the written word was the norm the then Customs and Excise issued three massive tomes listing " all" commodities and their duty classifications. Memory fails me but they were known as either the Blue or Green books - for obvious reasons.

 

[Shox Dr]

When I imported the truck I was told by the shippers that pre 1950 there would be no Duty, and 5%VAT.

If it was found there were newer parts fitted ie engine etc or sitting in the back, then all the shipment would attract Duty and VAT at the Currrent rate.

There wasnt so I only got charged 5%VAT.


That was 4yrs ago (time flies) and Im currently rebuilding the engine, many of the parts are new old stock so hopefully I'll get the same, we'll see.


A good website is www.dutycalculator.com to workout rates.

(Edit) just been on that site, if you class them as vintage cars parts Duty is 4.5%


Good luck

 

[Stueeee]

If they're originally made in the uk (EU) then potentially, no.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-of-origin

New and from the US, yes.

With an import of UK sourced stuff a couple of years ago, HMRC have applied a 12 month limit on export with UK origin stuff we've re-imported. i.e. if something was exported more than 12 months ago, then duty/VAT was still payable on import.

In general, my experience of importing small quantities of new and secondhand car bits from the US over the last 15 years has been that it's a complete lottery as to what (if anything) you get charged in duty and/or VAT when it comes into the UK.

 

[Shox Dr]

With an import of UK sourced stuff a couple of years ago, HMRC have applied a 12 month limit on export with UK origin stuff we've re-imported. i.e. if something was exported more than 12 months ago, then duty/VAT was still payable on import.

In general, my experience of importing small quantities of new and secondhand car bits from the US over the last 15 years has been that it's a complete lottery as to what (if anything) you get charged in duty and/or VAT when it comes into the UK.

You need a carnet this proves it was imported then re-exported

 

[Gareth J]

You need a carnet this proves it was imported then re-exported

Yes, proving it is tricky. Doable and worth it for something as valuable as a vehicle, with manufacturers willing and able to issue a 'birth' certificate. But odd, vintage car bits will be nigh on impossible and, as said will probably be just a gamble.

 

[WorkshopChris]

In general, my experience of importing small quantities of new and secondhand car bits from the US over the last 15 years has been that it's a complete lottery as to what (if anything) you get charged in duty and/or VAT when it comes into the UK.

I would agree and its not just the duty to pay its the carriers handling and processing fees they can soon add up.

 

[langy]

I import new and used parts from the USA every day, it's very easy but you don't want to use the big shippers like UPS, FEDEX, SHENKE etc otherwise it will be very expensive !!!