[UK-CONTEST] Import duty on radio kit

[David Ferrington, M0XDF]

Yes, Elecraft K3 and other Elecraft products - they put the correct  
codes on for customs, they understand our set up well.
You don't pay any import duty, but do pay VAT and generally a handing  
charge (around £12) by the courier (Elecraft use UPS).

not sure how this works out if it's purchased by someone in the US on  
your behalf, they will probably have to pay a state based tax,  
whereas, if you buy from US, for delivery here and pay for it here,  
you don't pay any state tax.
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174

On 1 Nov 2009, at 10:26, Pete Lindsay wrote:

> Sorry for the slightly off topic post, but I was wondering if anyone
> on here has had any experience in buying radio kit from the US? I have
> read that if you use the correct commodity code that amateur radio kit
> can be imported without being subject to import duty (although VAT
> does have to be paid). I have someone in the US who is willing to
> puchase and post me the kit but I don't know if the "theory" will hold
> up in practice?