Posting from US to UK

[Roefisher]

Hello

I have ordered a knife from the US. I was wondering if anyone has done a similar thing, and could possibly tell me about whether customs will be involved or if import taxes are payable,etc.

I myself have limited knowledge, just having got a couple of fishing reels.....Bauers, to be exact. But, they came no probs - and no import tax, either.

But, i have been advised that the knife may be a problem with customs stopping it :eek:

Any light on the matter would be most welcome :)

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha and welcome!!!

Uh, can't help ya here, as I am doing the opposite...I am trying to get a knife to the UK?! LOL! :D

God bless, and "help is on the way"... :cool:

[The Deacon]

Hi Roefisher, I can't speak for the UK end, except to say I've sent a fair number of knives there without any problems. Most time I have been listed them on the customs declaration form as "hand tool" and "gift", but I've listed a couple as "pocketknife" and they still arrived. As long as the knife is not one which is totally illegal at your end, there should be no problem with siezure. Automatics would obviously be out. I'm not sure how something like the Speed-Safe mechanism is viewed there, but you may be. From what I've heard, customs in the UK, unlike those in Canada, does not use the "if I can flick the blade open without dislocating my shoulder, it's a flick knife" test, so Spyderco's should all be ok. Knives are dutiable at your end, and, if not declared as "gift" by the sender, you will be required to pay that if customs notices the package. Would assume the cost of that would be based on the declared value. Imagine if you browse around the website of the appropriate government agency at your end, you can find the rate per $ or £.

Chad, simple to send there, just means a trip to the Post Office for supplies unless you're like me and stockpile them. I use the tyvek Global Priority Mail envelopes as they are tear proof and plenty big enough (way oversize really). You also will need the green & white customs declaration form. On the customs form, check off GIFT, list 1 Hand Tool as the quantity and description in section (1), fill in the value in US$ in section (3), date and sign both section (8) of the green part and the coresponding section of the white part. Fill in both your name and address and that of the recipient in the white part. Stick the green part to the envelope,. Not that you should be pressed for space, but it's ok if the white part hang over the edge, as that gets removed by your Post Office anyway.

[UK KEN]

Hello

I have ordered a knife from the US. I was wondering if anyone has done a similar thing, and could possibly tell me about whether customs will be involved or if import taxes are payable,etc.

I myself have limited knowledge, just having got a couple of fishing reels.....Bauers, to be exact. But, they came no probs - and no import tax, either.

But, i have been advised that the knife may be a problem with customs stopping it :eek:

Any light on the matter would be most welcome :)

Greetings Sir

It can depend on what form of shipping has been used. If TNT or other handler is involved you will be billed for the import tax and VAT virtually every time! :eek: If you have had the knife sent using USPS Global Priority, or even Air Mail, then it is a bit hit and miss. On average (I've imported a good few) 80% of my knives have a handling/VAT/import duty applied to them which is almost 50% in total of the marked value of the knife/knives.

If a knife is sent as a gift with a value of less than £35.00? it has changed recently, it will get to you with no charges involved! Some are opened for inspection, none have ever been stopped!

I know people in the UK who have had knives stopped by over zealous customs operatives claiming that they were gravity knives but in most cases common sense has prevailed and the knives were released. If it is a legal UK knife you should have no trouble at all.

Good luck!

Ken

[Roefisher]

Thank you....that's a very comprehensive answer

As it has been ordered from a company, they would not be stating it as being a gift, i'm sure...so i'll have the import tax to pay, then!

It's a pocket lock knife so it should come OK then, too.

Thanks, Deacon

[Roefisher]

Just saw your post Ken, thank you, too.
My knife is $240.

Almost 50% tax :eek:
Thanks, Gordon Brown!

That's about £200, plus shipping :mad:

[J Smith]

The trick is to get your shipper to list a low value and as a gift.

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha All!

Mahalo Paul, I am familiar with the process, just what NOT to write on the Customs slip. JSmith answered the other part of what TO write regarding value of...

Thanks for the help guys! God bless :cool:

[J Smith]

Mosy of the time I list it as used hand tool,gift,value the same as the shipping cost.