Hi and thanks for reading.

I'm trying to import from China and have found that clearing agents dont deal with VAT. How do I pay it? I'm assuming I can't clear the goods until I pay the VAT on them. Is this right?

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Quoting from [oirman]:


Hi and thanks for reading.


I'm trying to import from China and have found that clearing agents dont deal with VAT. How do I pay it? I'm assuming I can't clear the goods until I pay the VAT on them. Is this right?


Any ideas greatly appreciated.


Thanks.

This is an easy one.... Contact the VAT people in your local area and just ask them.. They will walk you thru the process you need to use.

Replying to [Foow]:
Thank you very much! That's another weight off my mind. Starting a business isn't easy!

Quoting from [oirman]:


Replying to [Foow]:

Thank you very much! That's another weight off my mind. Starting a business isn't easy!

If it was easy everyone would do it.  I don;t know the exact rules for VAT in the UK....... Just go ahead and talk to them about what you want to do..... You pay enough taxes as it is so these guys aren't gonna bite you or anything...

Try and have as much info about what exactly you are bringing in and what you plan to do with it. You might need to talk to customs as well and then go back to VAT, since I think there might be a cross-over there for info... Just go slow until you get all your ducks in a row BEFORE you spend a penny (or Euro)..... You would be amazed at how many people just pay for something overseas and THEN try to figure out tax/duty/vat/shipping costs etc..

 

Replying to [Foow]:You give him a good idea.

Replying to [oirman]:good luck

Replying to [oirman]:We act as clearing agents, don't hang up, VAT has to be paid up front on importation, you can open an account with HMRC, (called a FAS account) google HMRC and in search type: FAS account. If we can help with anything else just email: roy@total-imports.co.uk

Replying to [oirman]: It's me again.......forget FAS, it's no longer applicable.......seems the only option is to pay via your clearing agent.

Replying to [oirman]: Though I do not know what is V.A.T,but I believe that with the help of so many persons,you will get your business done! Good Luck !

off-topic:
I see a lot of people around who give reply only to earn more MVP or Best Answer points...

Replying to [oirman]:the agents that are handling the cargo will not let it go until VAT and duty are paid to them,so whoever is handling the cargo for you will have to be paid,try customs and excise at the shipping port or airport
Next time open up an account with an agent like Davies Turner they will do all the paperwork for you and bill you