Importing

[ashtony]

Because of market protection policies by some suppliers I am looking to import my own range of product (probably from China) I would appreciate any advice on costs (say 20' container) taxes, would items be subject to VAT if they were to be zero rated? agent fees etc, most secure ways to pay (in fact just about everythng)
Cheers

[Cougar]

Hi there Ashtony -

On import VAT - you pay it unless there's a zero rate on the goods you import. That's to say a zero rate for import purposes regardless the rating of any subsequent supply of those goods. In your costings don't overlook customs duty. The rate depends what the goods are and how they are classified in the Tariff.

I can't comment on freight charges; you need to shop around. Agents will charge for handling all the customs formalities. Gnerally they will pay the import charges and bill these to you along with the other costs of their service.

You need to be sure which incoterm will apply to the shipment(s) as this determines as between seller and buyer who is responsible for doing what and when (including payment of charges at export and import) and when risk of loss or damage to the goods passes.

[MikeH]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I hope that we can help with your future business questions.

Mike.