Importing machinery from the EU - customs clearance

[Noel]

Stratos - so presumably a KSD wood lathe ?
As far as I know, Simon Hope who distributes these in the UK is a decent guy and he's a reputable, skilled woodturner not just some import/export merchant moving boxes.
The machines are advertised as designed in Europe and built in Taiwan if I remember right.
Decision is entirely down to your views on what risks and hassle Simon takes off your shoulders and how much more you'll pay for that benefit.
Incoterms, CIF, FOB, DDP ? All the correct paperwork needed to clear customs smoothly, inbound or outbound. International freight has it's own language. A competent agent makes all the difference but how do you choose one ?

If Taiwanese manufacture Rules of Origin in the TCA (preferential R of O) may also be a factor. I'm not sure that the lathe will have "EU originating status" as per TCA. An Origin Status cert/Statement of origin may be required from the vendor.

 

[jack.in.the.woods]

If Taiwanese manufacture Rules of Origin in the TCA (preferential R of O) may also be a factor. I'm not sure that the lathe will have "EU originating status" as per TCA. An Origin Status cert/Statement of origin may be required from the vendor.

Good point. I've had a pre sales invoice with all the info now which has the following:

'The exporter of the products by this document declares that, except
where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of European Union
preferantial origin'

So that seems to all be in order.

The CTN is confirmed as: 84659900 also, so no duty just the UK Vat

 

[jack.in.the.woods]

I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. The seller has been quite clear. Apart from considering whether you want to take the risk of receiving and dealing with a faulty machine, this is a procedure that happens every day. Slightly different for me as I would be importing from the UK. As has been said, find an agent in the UK and ask them for the costs, then decide if it is worth the effort. Yes things can go wrong, but that is the nature of most things we do. As an English speaker I regularly help a friend here in Italy import items from the UK WITH values in xs of 25K.

This is my thinking so thanks for the input. Other than the distance it's no different from shipping a pallet from the inside the UK. The vendor has stated they take responsibility for getting the machine to me in one piece and will sort any issues, and the 5 year warranty is the same as The UK vendor

It all seems above board, I just need to find an agent who can facilitate and file the customs declaration forms for me I think. I have a EORI number from my sole trader business already (just need to confirm I can use this as the purchase will be going through my woodworking business, not my retailer side of things)

Thanks

 

[RobinBHM]

The shipping costs would be € 230 excluding VAT.

thats not bad really

I used to pay 160 Euros for 4 cubic metres of timber from Germany back around 2015

As a business it was great, I sent an email, got a pro forma back, I paid it and the timber arrived the next week........It was a handy cashflow benefit because BtB the invoice was paid excl VAT.........which could add up to a few £k

 

[the great waldo]

Pre brexit!!

 

[mrnobody]

Have you considered hiring a van and take it through le chunnel, load it and drive straight through nothing to declare

 

[Noel]

Have you considered hiring a van and take it through le chunnel, load it and drive straight through nothing to declare

Not the best approach as a van exiting the tunnel or ferry is an obvious target for inspection or x-ray since it's a, well, a van. In Calais you'll be asked if your van is empty or carrying a load when you enter France and there'll be more questions on your return. Not to mention there'll be a paperwork trail all the way from the vendor. Really not worth the risk.

 

[Bingy man]

Is that not classed as smuggling and as such they ( customs) can seize the cargo and the vehicle and impound both .. not something I’d want to try .

 

[Ross Buchanan]

A wise man commented:
If the constabulary have a suspicion that you are engaged in a nefarious activity, they have to go to a judge with a compelling argument and request a warrant to enter your premises in order to search any nooks and crannies in the hope of finding evidence.
If the customs and excise have a suspicion that you are engaged in a nefarious activity, they do not need a judge, a compelling case or indeed a warrant. They can immediately enter you in order to search your nooks and crannies in the search for evidence. All they need is marigolds
One should never court the attention of customs and excise.

 

[meccarroll]

I imported a CNC frame from China costing about £500 the import charges ended up being around £100. I got a letter stating I had to pay through the delivery service up front, I did, it was easy and I received the item.

Sometimes it is worth importing goods but the risk you take is sorting out any returns if the item is defective. I have had that problem occur and lost out any saving with the return costs etc. Most transactions I do are not for large items like machinery and 98% work out fine.

You need to make sure the delivery is being made to your location in the UK and not just to a UK port.