[UK-CONTEST] Importing a rig

[John Lemay]

Hi all

Around Christmas time I sought advice on the UK Contest reflector about
importing a rig from the States. I promised to give some feedback.

I wanted to buy a TS570SG, which is like the well known TS570DG, with the
addition of 6m. It's not normally available over here.

I trawled through the adverts in QST, and visited various web sites. It soon
became evident that the number of companies who are willing and able to
export is somewhat limited, and eventually I settled for a deal with Ham
Radio Outlet, who have a dozen or so stores a cross the US. Their price was
$1190, plus $120 for shipping to my door. I paid by credit card, and at the
rate of exchange in early January, plus a bit for the card company, I was
billed £754.

The particular advice I sought related to import taxes. I had a number of
answers, for which I'm grateful. I asked for the package to be clearly
marked "Telecommunications Equipment". It wasn't; HRO described it as
"Amateur Radio Equipment". The object of this was to minimise any import
duty, and it should be zero on amateur gear. I was resigned to paying VAT,
which would add another £132 or so. I really resent paying VAT on carriage
from overseas, but that's the way it works.

There was a delay of about two weeks while HRO got the rig into their
nearest (most easterly) branch, to keep the air freight cost down. Then,
just a few days later, DHL delivered a parcel to my door. Pity I wasn't in!
A couple of days later I went to DHL's nearest depot, cheque book in hand,
to collect my rig and see what the tax man would want. Two forms of ID were
needed, and DHL handed over my parcel without any mention of paying VAT or
import tax.  Quick exit by ZTR before they realised.

The rig was packaged box within a box, and travelled without damage.

Pros:

I have a new rig, the model I particularly wanted, but which is not normally
available over here.
I was lucky not to pay tax (but apparently this happens quite often, either
by carrier or post).

Cons:

I guess it's possible the tax man may yet catch up with me.
If the rig develops a fault, it may be a little more difficult to get a
repair done.

Would I do it again?

Yes, and the exchange rate continues to improve!
However, if you want a piece of gear which is normally available from your
local dealer, include in your budget for carriage and VAT, and it may not be
much of a saving, particularly compared to, say, a "rally special".

Regards

John G4ZTR