I've bought an item from outside the e.u and is over 100 years old if this is marked antigue item returning to county of origin would this help me avoid customs charges any help folks

It should do, but they often don't take any notice !! You can claim it back if they muck up. A BETTER option is to try to get the sender to put a low value on the customs docket

Cheers Lummox

I've tried a couple of times with this. Go on hmrc website, there's a code number for this. and a particular phrasing. Most times they've ignored it, but a couple of times they've let the item come through without charge.

Claiming a refund.....HMRC......that's a new one!!! As Lummo says, keep the price down, way down, its the only way of avoiding the greedy Government getting a slice of the action. US$50 max.

If its an antique item and over 100 years old it should attract nil customs charges. However, you will still get charged the VAT on the item and the shipping costs.

As already stated the website will give you the code to use. The thieving Government will try and take everything they can. If you do get charged and you try and claim it back
they will expect an expert opinion on the date or some documentary evidence. (My item had been published in a price guide)

The only problem with valuing a item below what it is worth is Insurance should it get lost.

Good luck..

Sadly the goalposts HAVE been moved and no longer is an Antique item returning to its country of origin free of any duty.

They CAN impose a charge placed upon the declared value. We ALWAYS advise customers when sending parcels overseas that they are best to accept a 'nominal value' to avoid import charges. We pack on the premise we would gladly kick the parcel downstairs and it would survive. Unfortunately you then can come unstuck with consequential loss - they MIGHT (after a fight) pay something out if it goes astray - but the low value sours the claim (if it's worth more).

Life just dunt get any easier……..

Whats even more annoying in some ways is when its a small charge say 3 to 4 quid and you get charged £8 on top by the post Office to collect the 3 quid. How the F**k does that work ? ....plus because they won't collect monies at the door they leave you a card and you usually have to drive to a Main post office to collect it. So its tax ! ....insulting collection fee ! and its not even delivered ! Hows that for Great British service with a smile !

lummox

Two words immediately spring to mind.....SHAFT...TED

 GREEDY GOVERNMENT,,ONE DAY THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GET BY WITHOUT MY HELP,,£356,52 TOTAL CHARGE FOR IMPORTING A ANTIQUE S/W REVOLVER,

G.C.H.Q.on your case now Joe!

Only one word for em Joe ................** Bastards !! **