Import duties rapped me!

[Gary]

Sorry hank, i dont agree with this.
1) if HMRC think the invoice has obviously been made to get your VAT or Duty bill down, this may cause you problems, and is infact defrauding HMRC.
2) what you should do is find out what the terms of the sale are, was it FOB, CIF or exworks?
3) importing costs money, you've got the part VAT and duty free till it enters this country, so expect to pay it, if you dont, its a bonus.
5) forwarders are in it to make money, so expect to be charged.
6) only dealing with someone who is willing to break the law, just to get a sale?

What is the value and mass of the shipment?

Top tip for anyone bringing something into the country ....only buy from someone who's prepared to go the extra mile to get the sale and send erhm creative shipping documentation with the shipment!

[HankMcSpank]

Gary, whilst everything you say is completely right ...I'm talking here of the guy in the street (not a business) who has tried to save a few bob by importing a 'one off' off his own back.

Who hasn't ever muttered the immortal words "any discount for cash?" (& the thinly veiled implication that asking carries) ....or paid a tradesman 'cash in hand'.....that's essentially in the same category. Folks will have to use their own moral barometer as to how they approach!

3) importing costs money, you've got the part VAT and duty free till it enters this country, so expect to pay it, if you dont, its a bonus.

How can it be a "bonus" ...the receipient should clearly contact the tax authorities & offer up the due money they've overlooked ;-)

[Gary]

I have absolutely no problem with trying to get a better deal or save some money and i can see why joe blogs on the street would do this but my point was that by insisting on getting the seller to give a lower value on the invoice can actually cause you to loose the goods to hmrc, or seriously delay the delivery.