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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: addyeddy on 18:00:06, 05/01/21

Title: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 18:00:06, 05/01/21
That's the question! If so, have you been charged VAT, import duty or handling costs?


I was going to buy a new pair of boots that are £238, but if hammered for costs, they'd be nearer £300!!


And can't find a UK stockist for them. (Aku Tengu GTX).
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: jimbob on 18:15:13, 05/01/21
Seem to available on Amazon?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0755GXX5Q?tag=runrepcom-product-21&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0755GXX5Q?tag=runrepcom-product-21&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1)
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 18:49:54, 05/01/21
Not the ones I'm after sadly, these are the ones


https://www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/aku-tengu-goretex/137489613/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=10405097&country=uk&gclid=CjwKCAiAudD_BRBXEiwAudakX8py45ysVnby70a_jTlowT2H628QD-xj3ioWT43MRTezKQ_mrUSEixoCWJEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds




Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: nesty on 00:52:38, 09/01/21
I thought things were 'as you were', like we not in the EU as such, but when it comes to buying goods in sense we are. (In order to get the trade deal, we had to sacrifice British things, such as fishing waters etc)
I purchased a jacket from a retailer based in Poland, in the week, it was just the same, as buying in the UK.

From Trek Inn (based in Spain), should be exactly the same as buying in UK, though you might pay slightly more postage.


 
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 07:09:24, 09/01/21
Gaynor Sports list these
https://www.gaynors.co.uk/search/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/aku (https://www.gaynors.co.uk/search/footwear-c119/mens-c121/boots-c126/aku)
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 07:12:24, 09/01/21
Not the same boots sadly.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 07:23:31, 09/01/21
No luck. I though the superalp might have been a similar spec.
As far as import duties are concerned it’s probably worth checking with the supplier. I know that a number of retailers have stopped sending to the U.K. because they now need to jump through hoops that include collecting vat on behalf of the U.K. Registration to do that is around €1300. As I understand it, goods will need to be declared on a customs form and your carrier will collect any taxes on behalf of the government charging a fee to do so if the supplier isn’t registered. A Dutch Bike Shop brought this to my attention when it announced that it wouldn’t be a tax collector for the U.K. and was no longer sending stuff here
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 07:25:41, 09/01/21
I've got the Superalps, they're really fantastic boots, hence my desire to go for another pair of Aku's.


I might just have to bite the bullet and order from Spain and see how I go.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 08:42:16, 09/01/21
I've got a new tent coming from the Ukraine. Not EU but I think there is some sort of Schengen style agreement in place with the EU.
Anyway, I'm not sure about import/VAT etc. but what I do know is that my tent moved from the manufacturer to Kiev customs in a couple of days and was then released to the UK.
That was on 30.12.20 and there have been no updates since. Apparently there are really large backlogs at our freight customs terminals.
It's not like they have had four years to prepare for this.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 10:48:16, 09/01/21
This is a useful article that explains the complexity arising from the new arrangements. https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0108/1188595-tony-connelly-brexit/ (https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0108/1188595-tony-connelly-brexit/)
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Birdman on 13:17:38, 09/01/21
All I know is that a friend send a package from the EU to me beginning of December and I still haven't received it. It probably got stuck in pandemic limbo first and now Brexit on top of that... it's probably lost forever now (http://walkingforum.co.uk/Smileys/alive/embarrassed.gif)
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:12:13, 09/01/21
This is a useful article that explains the complexity arising from the new arrangements. https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0108/1188595-tony-connelly-brexit/ (https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0108/1188595-tony-connelly-brexit/)


What a nightmare.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 18:16:25, 09/01/21
It is indeed a nightmare! And this is apparently a good deal??
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: nesty on 00:27:53, 10/01/21
The EU will be crumbling in future years ahead, many members want out, an article on how a poster company in Ireland is demonstrating a bad brexit deal, is that all they got?
There was bound to be trade offs, though in the long term the UK is better of out. I have received a few parcels from the EU, since turn of the new year all no issues, these companies really wanting my custom, as 1 almost price matched my UK quoted price, in order to get my custom, which I happily placed an order.
I am aware political threads not tolerated, but IMHO would say order as usual, reputable companies are very much prepared & can deal with the UK. 
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: kinkyboots on 11:36:05, 11/01/21
This might be worth a read https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/outdoor-brands-brexit-chaos/ (https://outdoorsmagic.com/article/outdoor-brands-brexit-chaos/)

A lot of EU companies have simply pulled up the drawbridge and stopped accepting any orders from UK customers. Excuses where any are provided range from Brexit related VAT and Customs issues, Covid-19 issues and supposed border closures.

You can expect stocks of EU supplied products to vanish from most UK outdoor retailers shelves when existing stocks are sold and no doubt prices will rise sharply as stock levels fall.

I have just cancelled my Premium Membership of Keller Sports https://www.keller-sports.co.uk/ (https://www.keller-sports.co.uk/)  (a German based company) as they have stopped accepting any orders from UK customers making it impossible for me to benefit from the annual fee I paid in advance to become a Premium member which gets you an additional 10% off and free delivery and I have requested a refund of this fee.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 11:40:34, 11/01/21
I see Patagonia is writing to customers explaining problems with delivery from their distribution facility in the Netherlands to the U.K. DPD &DHL have suspended deliveries to the U.K. because of the border challenges. Road Hauliers Association and Michael Gove expect this week and next to be the worst at Dover  as traffic begins to return to normal.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 11:42:14, 11/01/21
I've sent an email to Trekinn this morning who do appear to be shipping to the UK at least, but they state their prices include the 20% VAT for the UK, but I'm assuming I'd still have to pay a further 20% VAT when they arrive in the UK?


All, very confusing.

As I was typing this, got a very vague response, yes they still shop to the UK, but no further details as to potential cost implications.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 11:44:59, 11/01/21
It may be that they have registered to collect tax on behalf of the U.K. govt. if not then it’s likely that you’ll need to pay to clear the goods from your delivery agent including fees, vat and, if over £135, import tax of some sort. I fear bargains from the continent are going to disappear.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 11:47:31, 11/01/21
Seeing as I can't actually go far at the moment (!), I think I'll wait to see if there's any clarification in the coming weeks/months before I order anything!
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Birdman on 12:33:17, 11/01/21
I'm happy I still have two pairs of brand new Meindl boots, bought last year.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Ridge on 22:49:03, 11/01/21
Today I had something which I had ordered from Germany (not walking related) cancelled as to send it to me they would have to register for VAT and it isn't worth their while.
What did annoy me is that they have a completely English website with a .co.uk address and have had my money for 2 weeks before cancelling the order and refunding me.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: pauldawes on 06:18:03, 12/01/21
Today I had something which I had ordered from Germany (not walking related) cancelled as to send it to me they would have to register for VAT and it isn't worth their while.
What did annoy me is that they have a completely English website with a .co.uk address and have had my money for 2 weeks before cancelling the order and refunding me.


I suppose to be fair they might have been caught out by their usual parcel carrier suspending operations, and only realised fairly late on they could not get goods to you on time.


Some stuff on BBC site today about lorry drivers packed lunches being confiscated at Dutch border if their sandwiches contained meat...this sort of stuff is disappointing.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 06:29:45, 12/01/21
I saw a CD I've been after for quite a while on ebay, the seller is in Germany, and he was quite happy to sell to me, I checked in advance.


I'm intrigued to see how much they'll charge me on a £25 (plus £5 p and p) CD.


Or will the backlog of packages mean they may not bother with a CD?


Interesting times.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 06:37:09, 12/01/21
I will be interested to learn what happens.
I recall in my youth sending gifts to penpals in Germany and being required to fill out a customs declaration form. That’s the new way. My concern centres around the governments removal of tax free shopping and the exemption for low value goods imported. Until 31 December any item under £15 (?) sailed straight though. Now any item is likely to have a charge attached to it by your local post office well as any vat that’s applied.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 06:40:33, 12/01/21
Yes I am expecting £6 VAT, and the Post Office £8 handling fee, will update here when received.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: jimbob on 12:32:03, 12/01/21
Deleted as could be construed as political.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:32:54, 12/01/21
deleted  -not getting involved in yet another political thread. This is not the place.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Ridge on 13:17:25, 12/01/21
Yes, this is a hard thread not to show your political allegiances in.


I've had another parcel from Germany, bought on ebay, returned to the sender. According to DHL it never left Germany. So far no one can tell me why this has happened.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 14:49:03, 12/01/21
deleted  -not getting involved in yet another political thread. This is not the place.


I’m struggling to see what is political about the new arrangements that have arisen because of the new trade agreement. The new rules either exist or they don’t.


I have bought many things from Europe in the past including a car which I picked up in Dublin. Organisations such as Trekkit and a few others have created U.K. accounts that have offered discounted prices in the uk but delivered from somewhere on the continent. I am curious (and I might not be alone) to see how the new system will operate in practice. I have stopped buying goods from eBay where the supplier is identified as being in Hong Kong or mainland China.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: jimbob on 15:34:29, 12/01/21
Why pick on Hong Kong and Mainland China, our import rules have not changed with them, have they?

We all knew that the EU would keep their rules on imports, /exports. We knew what that meant as, for decades, those same rules were applied to imports into this country from sources external to the EU. 
 
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 15:43:14, 12/01/21
If I have read them right, they do. The government removed the £15 or £18 limit below which no taxes or duty was applicable. So it’s been possible to buy a Chinese made product direct from China or Hong Kong until the change in the law that doesn’t just apply to Europe. If you look at listings in ebay (example of waterproof dog coats) you will see some U.K. based suppliers and some suppliers outside the U.K. For those outside the EU, the change comes in a warning below the price which says that the seller isn’t liable for any customs charges. That wasn’t in place before (at least not that I have noticed). Some Chinese companies have set up a U.K. based warehouse to supply their goods.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: jimbob on 15:50:36, 12/01/21
Sevenup, thanks for the heads up. That sadly will apply to the Aliexpress website too, I suppose.

 
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 18:04:50, 12/01/21
Just to round this off - @davesumnersmith in a twitter posting has linked to a communication with a Portuguese wine company no longer sending to the U.K. because of the unique tax laws that would require any company exporting to the U.K. to register with HMRC, paying a fee (I have seen €1300 mentioned) then collecting VAT and deliver it with their accounts to HMRC.
For those of you with twitter, this is a link (others might be able to see it) https://twitter.com/davesumnersmith/status/1348677038140510211?s=21 (https://twitter.com/davesumnersmith/status/1348677038140510211?s=21)  
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 13:15:45, 13/01/21
Sorry. I thought I’d seen everything but I forgot about Northern Ireland. Again, from twitter, I came across a report of a pair of walking shoes sent to Northern Ireland sporting a customs declaration. https://twitter.com/jp_biz/status/1349044542121635841?s=21 (https://twitter.com/jp_biz/status/1349044542121635841?s=21)
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: janner on 23:20:20, 15/01/21
I have bought a pair of Hanwag Banks SF extra boots from Exxposed which is a German firm. Recommended price was£207. New year sale price £165.88. I paid by Pay Pal and as soon as I pressed the buy button the price dropped to £132.70 when the German VAT was taken off. The carrier was DHC who took them as far as the border yesterday and now waiting to clear customs and will continue the rest of the way by Parcelforce. Will let you know what I am charged when I pick them up.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 09:18:26, 16/01/21
My new tent arrived from the Ukraine yesterday.
So that is a two week hold up at customs.
At least it arrived.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 09:25:32, 16/01/21
I have bought a pair of Hanwag Banks SF extra boots from Exxposed which is a German firm. Recommended price was£207. New year sale price £165.88. I paid by Pay Pal and as soon as I pressed the buy button the price dropped to £132.70 when the German VAT was taken off. The carrier was DHC who took them as far as the border yesterday and now waiting to clear customs and will continue the rest of the way by Parcelforce. Will let you know what I am charged when I pick them up.
That’s interesting. I had thought that the U.K. structure was a response to the EU imposing something similar. If Eu businesses are withholding VAT that would mean the possibility of decent bargains will continue. The border looks like it’s going to be a challenge for some months to come.
Johnny Thunder, how did the U.K. deal with the tax and delivery issues? What tent did you bring in from the Ukraine? Any links?
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Birdman on 09:39:04, 16/01/21
That’s interesting. I had thought that the U.K. structure was a response to the EU imposing something similar. If Eu businesses are withholding VAT that would mean the possibility of decent bargains will continue. The border looks like it’s going to be a challenge for some months to come.
Johnny Thunder, how did the U.K. deal with the tax and delivery issues? What tent did you bring in from the Ukraine? Any links?


I'm curious too. If I order from the USA, I'm hit by import duty, VAT and a massive "handling fee". From the EU I guess there shouldn't be import duty but they will have to collect VAT, so I wouldn't be surprised when you have to pay a "handling fee" too to collect that VAT.


However, I also read somewhere that till April of so we are basically in "smuggling mode" because the systems are not yet in place and you may get away tax free.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 09:45:12, 16/01/21
Hi Sevenup.


With the Ukraine being outside the EU, although with a sort of trading arrangement with it, I was unsure what would happen with regard to VAT, import duties and handling charges. The package came through as normal and carrying  no extra charges. I would assume, therefore, that buying from locations such as China will continue as normal. (Please don't take this for granted. I am guessing).


I purchased from a company called Liteway Equipment and I must say, the have been a superb company to deal with.
Constant communication from the initial purchase, through all the postal worries and to the final delivery.
I would most definitely recommend them.


I purchased the PyraOmm Tarp -  https://liteway.equipment/shelters/pyraomm/pyraomm-tarp


and the PyraOmm Half Mesh - https://liteway.equipment/shelters/pyraomm/pyraomm-mesh-half


At any point if I need to upsize, I can order the 2 person mesh - https://liteway.equipment/shelters/pyraomm/pyraomm-mesh




I just need to get out and give it a good field test now.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Johnny Thunder on 09:47:23, 16/01/21
Hi Birdman.


I am currently awaiting delivery of an alcohol stove and pot stand from the US.
I am 100% expecting charges on that package.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Sevenup on 09:48:51, 16/01/21
That’s an interesting site. I’ll bookmark it for future use
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 10:34:03, 16/01/21
My £25 CD arrived and was just popped through my letterbox by Royal Mail, and it arrived from Germany in 3 days!!


I know Royal Mail normally make you pay in advance before releasing things if there are charges to pay, so I wonder if there's 1. Either that much coming through there's no way to check everything. 2. Systems aren't properly in place yet, or 3. I've just been lucky!



Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Birdman on 10:58:46, 16/01/21
Below a certain value you won't be charged. It also depends on whether it is send as a "gift" or not. And you can be lucky or not. I have once received a £200 GPS from the USA and paid nothing extra. But one other time I ordered something for $40.00 + $13.50  shipping (=£40.93 at the time) and was charged £15.89 on that by the UK for VAT + handling.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: [Rgmw]largie on 16:23:45, 16/01/21
I was looking at purchasing a guitar from a German retailer so attach their statement below in hope it helps :
Cheers
Dave

Special Rules for our UK CustomersWith the new trade agreement between the EU and the UK, new regulations have been applied to all commercial transactions between the two distinct markets.  
As of 01.01.2021 all current prices shown on our UK website do not include VAT 20% (Value Added Tax).According to the new regulations, the VAT (20%) and additional handling fees will have to be paid to the courier upon delivery with the only exceptions being special VAT-free zones (e.g Channel Islands).  
Based on the feedback we have received so far, Government Charges will be collected by UPS and they consist of the 20% VAT plus a small amount for the paperwork involved (usually around 2.5%). There is also an additional amount to be paid to UPS for their service, which is a minimum of 11.50 GBP. As not every order has the same customs requirement, for further information we advise that you check the costs and procedures in advance with the courier locally.  
VAT will be added and charged by Thomann GmbH after processing an order only if the net value of the items is equal or less than 135.00 GBP or if delivery will be to Northern Ireland. In these cases, no additional fee will have to be paid upon delivery.  
For items exceeding 31 kilos, or heavy goods such as PA equipment, pianos, etc., we have to employ the services of a heavy haulage company. As these new regulations only came into effect a few days before the end of the transition period, delivery by this method of transport to the UK is currently not possible. Further information will be included in our order confirmation email.Please be assured that with more than 20 years of close cooperation with our UK customers, it is our priority to find new solutions that will allow us to provide door-to-door online prices as soon as possible.  
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Magic girl on 22:07:26, 16/01/21
I've ordered from trekkin in the sale and they arrived 2 days ago with no problems,I also ordered from smartwool who I think are based in Europe and they arrived with no problems also.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 22:10:00, 16/01/21
Magic Girl-That's interesting. No extra charges at all?


Were the value of the goods over £135?( the boots I'm looking at are over this initial limit).
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: Magic girl on 22:18:35, 16/01/21
No extra charges ar all,I think the value of my order was £100 ish from trekkin and was delivered as normal by Royal Mail.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 22:23:18, 16/01/21
Thanks for that, I might just go for it.
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: janner on 14:02:23, 18/01/21
Parcel Force delivered my boots this morning and there was nothing extra to pay.

Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:56:33, 21/01/21
I haven't bought anything yet but I did see this aricle this morning.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55734277
Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: addyeddy on 13:00:41, 21/01/21
That's the kind of charges I expected, so glad I didn't order my boots in the end.


I'm sure in the future this will all have to be looked at again, because it isn't good for customers or businesses.




Title: Re: Anyone bought from the EU post Brexit?
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:34:26, 21/01/21
Just read this as well.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jan/21/britons-buying-from-eu-websites-face-more-than-100-import-duties