Do Customs duties and VAT apply on jewellery and gifts even when imported into UK by US citizens?
I'm leaving for the UK this week and packing a bunch of gifts and an engagement ring that I intend to give there.
Is the VAT only for UK citizens or will I have to declare the value of my gifts and pay VAT?
From reading this it seems I will have to.
Best Answer
The VAT is not only for UK citizens, as it applies to anyone in the UK. Declaring and paying VAT on your items depends on how much the total of gifts & ring come to.
If their total value is less than £390, you don't have anything to worry about. This is lower than the duty free allowance so you don't have to declare the goods.
If you plan on leaving the gifts/ring there and their total value is more than £390 but less than £630 you will have to pay customs duty at a discounted 2.5% rate. You will have to pay VAT at the applicable rate.
If their total value is greater than £630 you have to pay customs duty at the applicable rate. You will have to pay VAT at the applicable rate.
There is a reference to a £36 or £40 duty free limit on gifts, but given that the duty free limits are higher it doesn't end up applying in this scenario.
Pictures about "Do Customs duties and VAT apply on jewellery and gifts even when imported into UK by US citizens?"
Are gifts exempt from import duty UK?
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Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent, free of duty and tax, to friends and relatives in the United States, as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts in a single day.Does custom duty apply on gifts?
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