AliExpress now charging VAT

[cropwell]

There seems to be a limit of £18, below which is not liable for VAT and Import Duty. Unfortunately, this was abused by suppliers understating the value of goods. If the VAT is paid by the supplier, it avoids the VAT collection administration fees and forwarding fees that carriers like Royal Mail and UPS add on. This has to be paid before delivery is completed and can be up to £30 for even a small value order that HMRC has arbitrarily determined to be above the lower limit. (Apparently £15 NOT £18)


Revision

The 1 January 2021 UK B2C ecommerce and marketplace reforms will include: All imported goods purchased are subject to VAT – ending the £15 VAT exemption thresholds, known as Low-Value Consignment Stock relief. Imported consignments of goods not exceeding £135 are subject to sales (supply) VAT instead of import VAT.

https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/v...20import%20VAT.