Estimating import charges/duty on parts from USA

[IROC-Z]

I am considering buying two alloy wheels online from the USA (Summit Racing). The cost of the items and the shipping to the UK is roughly £400 all in. However, does anyone know roughly what I'll end up paying once import duty and VAT charges have been factored in?

Failing that, does anyone know of a UK supplier that sells the Weld Racing 'rodlite' because I can't find one!

[Stefan SRT8]

I think you need to factor in an additional 21% as import duty/VAT is payable on the total goods + shipping price.

Stef

[LS6wetdream]

plus you'll will always get charged from stuff from summit, ive heard.

[IROC-Z]

Thanks guys, I've decided against it and I'm going to replace the whole set with American Racing wheels.

[felga]

Hi I`m shipping some rotors for my c5 soon, let me know if You want to split the air freight as my rotors are 50kg and more weight means less gbp/kg

drop me an email [e-mail]

Andy

[LuS1fer]

Car parts are 3.5% import duty, sometimes not charged on smaller items under £100. You payVAT in cost of item plus shipping and you also pay a clearance fee of up to £15.

[IROC-Z]

Thanks chaps. I ended up buying a set of Rocket Racing alloys from Northants Tyres Highly recommended by the way) in the end, but advice is appreciated.

[LuS1fer]

Keep the alloys washed down regularly and don't use any acidic cleaners on them as the lacquer tends to be very thin and pit easily (if they are indeed lacquered).

[IROC-Z]

LuS1fer said:

Keep the alloys washed down regularly and don't use any acidic cleaners on them as the lacquer tends to be very thin and pit easily (if they are indeed lacquered).

Thanks, can you recommend a cleaning product please? I have some 'poorboys' wheel sealant that I've been using but am on the hunt for a decent wheel cleaner too.

[LuS1fer]

IROC-Z said:

LuS1fer said:

Keep the alloys washed down regularly and don't use any acidic cleaners on them as the lacquer tends to be very thin and pit easily (if they are indeed lacquered).

Thanks, can you recommend a cleaning product please? I have some 'poorboys' wheel sealant that I've been using but am on the hunt for a decent wheel cleaner too.

I would imagine something like Autoglym. I use a Zaino PH neutral wash though find it a Catch 22 because in fact Fairy Liquid is best at removing brake dust effectively and if left, it eats into the wheel finish. The trouble with tghin lacquer is it gets hammered by road debris and the lacquer can't help but lift. We've had some problems on certain wheels in the Mustang fraternity due to thin lacquer. The only real solution is to budget for a refurb at some point.

I have chrome wheels so use a wheel polish but it doesn't often see rain (or the road, to be fair....).

[IROC-Z]

The wheels I bought are Rocket Racing 'Fuel' with a polished finish, rather than chrome. Are they still likely to have a laquer coat? I shall take a trip to my local motor factors and see what they've got in the way of wheel cleaner.

It's my intention that they'll never see rain too, but such is the British weather you just never know what it'll do next.....

[LuS1fer]

It depends. I've had wheels from the US which were bare alloy. It's usually obvious if they are lacquered. Use a bit of Solvol Autosol - if it turns the cloth black, it's bare alloy otherwise it will only polish the lacquer. I prefer bare alloy to lacquer as it always chips and blisters. Far better painted with nice thick paint in the UK.

[mattmoxon]

This is taken off the side of a package that I just received from the US.

Goods purchased & imported into the EU with a value over £18 (for VAT purposes) and over £135 (for import duty purposes), or goods imported from one private person as a gift with a value over £40 are subject to Customs charges.

Charges go on top of the items + postage & any other bits (insurance etc).

Matt