Buying a bike from italy

[Mikerigg]

Hi. I’m looking at buying a bike from Italy and I am concerned that it could be held up at customs and cost me import duty etc. . Anyone out there done this and what was their experience, good, bad or no problems. Thanks mike

[st599_uk]

As it's over the threshold, the courier should contact you about how much you owe. Should be 20% VAT on shipment value (note that includes the shipping cost) plus their handling fee.

[simonhill]

Is it a new bike?

If so it will be liable for duty and VAT.

I think the duty is 0% and the VAT is 20%.

In theory you should be able to claim back (or the retailer not charge) Italian VAT. In theory but unlikely.

This has been discussed before with bike from Germany. Lots of options given to avoid paying. Try a search or hopefully someone will remember the post.

Edit: posted at same time as above.

[Sweep]

In my experience of having stuff shipped from italy the 'handling fee":will be quite high and should be checked in advance. Note that this "handling fee" has nowt to do with separate shipping costs and doesn't involve any "handling". It's just an admin charge for the shipper collecting monies for the government.

[st599_uk]

Is it a new bike?

If so it will be liable for duty and VAT.

I think the duty is 0% and the VAT is 20%.

Doesn't matter if it's new or secondhand. Crossing the EU/UK customs border is a VAT event.

[Mikerigg]

Hi, I’m told that the vat and duty costs are covered by Pro -M the supplier. Shipping is included and insured , DHL are the shipper.