Cycleworks California

It's simple enough, basically unless they're prepared to show a low value and/or 'gift' on the packaging then you will get charged duty, a 'handling' fee and VAT on the entire cost. You'll get a slip from parcel force (or whoever is bringing it) asking you to pay this fee, which you can do online and the next day they'll deliver.

Bear in mind the total charge will be around 25% of the value inc. postage costs (20% VAT + fees) so what seemed like a deal at the time may turn out to be not quite so attractive once HM Customs have charged (robbed) you...

 

You can ship to a friend in US and get them to ship to you ,, but then you need a friend

I have purchased from the US and not been charged - it can be pot luck!

 

All the gubbins I have bought from HK has come in under the radar (bits crossed) the Chinese appear less bothered about marking the value down.

 

Can't comment on HMRC's activities and charges to import into the UK, but I bought a set of FCR's from CA Cycleworks during a trip to the US and had the parts delivered to the address I was staying - they were excellent, expedited the shipment to me at no extra cost so they arrived in time.

As well as the total invoice they provided separate invoices for each carb, so each carb was within the tax free allowance. Not sure if Mrs Bimble really wanted a flat slide carburettor as a souvenir from the trip, but she must of liked it as she wont let me forget about that kind gesture.

Realise this doesn't help you much with the cost of importing, but hopefully a tick in the box for CA Cycleworks as a reputable supplier.

 

What are you getting - Might just be one available in country (second hand probably)

 

There is another supplier in the States happy to - uhhh - write a different value on the customs ticket for say - FCR's? :wink:

 

See your point - not going to be many about but worth a go in the wanted section perhaps?

 

Bear in mind if you mark the value down and it goes missing, if it's insured it may be for the lower amount...only a small risk but it's there

 

I have had a lot of stuff from Chris over the years, he is 100% reliable, do not bother asking him to mark down the value or send as gift or anything else as he will not do it!
As has already been suggested if you can ship to a buddy in the US and get them to ship to you that way you can avoid duty and VAT

 

Mervyn,

I had the exat same part from CCW a year ago - I shipped mine through Cloner on the MH900e forum and his company, DeserT Desmo. If you go to www.mh900e.org if you're not already a member on there and speak to Cloner direct he may be able to help you out. He has a great relationship with CCW and managed to negotiate a discount too for a few of us a year back. he then sent on at full price value marked but as a gift...it's not what you know ;-)

 

Just to give you an example of customs charges......bought a 2003 Showa rear shock recently off Fleabay for my bike from America $80.00 + $48 postage and now I get to pay $16 import vat + $12.78 Clearance fee.....Total $156.78 = £98