I have some experience of import duties on clothes and camping equipment coming to UK from US.
I guess your item would probably fall into the same range of charges. I tried to find detailed info. from the Customs and Excise on the Web and gave up completely defeated!! Their site just doesn't cater for the 'man on the street'.
To miss charges the item must be of low value. -i.e. below £40(private transaction/gift) or £18(commercial/bought from retailer).
They include the postage costs in the value of the goods!!
If a charge is liable Parcelforce will charge a handling fee of £8/£12, to start with.
VAT will be charged at the appropriate level, regardless of how small.
Import duties are about 12% for clothing but only get charged once the goods goes over £135.
Taxes must be paid before goods will be delivered.
These were the rules as explained to me on the phone about 18 months ago. I'm not sure if the last budget has changed anything.
I found that at $2 to £1 (some time ago!!) or if goods were less half price compared with EU it was worth it. Also if stuff was unobtainable over here. You need to do your sums first.
If you can get items sent to someone you know in US and they are prepared to sent it onto you with the customs forms declared as 'gift' and a low value, that can help -BUT is strictly illegal. British Customs can check parcels if they want.
Things take between 1-4 weeks to arrive. Patience required.
I have never had a parcel lost or tampered with so far. I'm sure others will have other stories.
Hope this helps. Cathy
