Trip to states, can I bring anything back???

[maudyZ28]

Hi all,

well looking for a bit of infor, im going to states next year for business and last stop before home is boston. If i were to get myself a cam shaft and springs etc can I bring it back in my case or hand luggage?? Anyone done this before, will I get grilled on US or UK side and what about TAX and VAT?

cheers

[MacW]

It's considered treason in this country to bring back anything on your list. Don't blame me, I don't make the rules.

To be 100% safe you need to fill your bags with peanut butter M&Ms and send them to me.

HTH.

[Stig]

If you do (bear in mind that in the laws eyes you're defrauding HMRC), take them out of the packets, make them look a bit grubby/2nd hand and don't bring any invoices/receipts.

If challenged, you could say they're used parts.

[balls-out]

Stig said:

If you do (bear in mind that in the laws eyes you're defrauding HMRC), take them out of the packets, make them look a bit grubby/2nd hand and don't bring any invoices/receipts.

If challenged, you could say they're used parts.

I'd go for the if found out come clean option and claim ignorance - only a few bits for personal use -how can that be wrong?

Customs have far more powers than the police and will not like you c*cking them about.

[LuS1fer]

People bring all manner of things back from the US - clutches, springs, wheels but not sure if they declare them this end - obviously you have to explain the X-ray image on the US side but there's no scan this side. You can't put anything in your hand luggage that can be used as a weapon so that's a no-no.

[Dr-Bob]

Bought loads of bits back even had my cases searched after the drop off... Never had any problems and parts have always been there when back in the UK still in the mopar boxes....

[andy rob]

I brought back a set of headers & a set of shockers with no problems

[Chordiant]

I'd love to see the x-ray of a camshaft - I would suspect it looks a tad like a gun barrel...!!

Do you have friends who would stand bail for you at very short notice?

[steveo3002]

bring what you like really , ive brought back loads

just make sure theres nothing highly flammable like fuel , paint etc or they'l hook that out

its worth paying the excess bagage fee to bring back loads as its way cheaper than postage

ive never seen anyone on customs this end, theres little chance of getting pulled up

[plastic orange]

I brought a carb, inlet manifold and a full gasket set for a Ford 302 back in my luggage without problems a couple of months ago - second time I've brought similar across. I bought them from a branch of Murrays speed shop - cheaper than summit - and they had all I wanted in stock.

Pete

[AntTPIV8]

you can bring me back a hot american chick.

[IainZ]

Just be aware that baggage weight allowances are not as generous as they used to be on many airlines & the excess baggage charges are not funny! Bag sizes are also now limited.

[HD Adam]

I'll just throw this in here as it hasn't come up yet.

You can bring anything back you like in your bags as long as it will fit and the airline is happy to transport it.

You can bring in goods from outside the EU to the value of £390 for personal use.
Anything over that attracts duty at 2.5% and VAT at the current rate.

If you happen to have a big block Chevy in your back pack and you walk through the green channel without being stopped, you have avoided paying tax, which is very naughty.

[maudyZ28]

thanks for the posts all.

would you recommend it put in full luggage and not hand luggage? though springs go go in hand. I've heard of peaople taking tires on as hand luggage and it has been fine? And a pal wo brough a ufll exhuast system in a suitcase with no extra charges? but a couple of years back.

though just cam, springs, push rods and maybe other bits so not too much

[LuS1fer]

I was prevented from taking on a bottle of PAS fluid because it could be used as a weapon. They insisted it go in the hold. Incidentally, they also think nothing of cutting the locks and/or catches off your case to have a look inside either. We found that out on getting back to the UK and the locks severed. Nothing missing though.

[Matt Harper]

maudyZ28 said:

I've heard of peaople taking tires on as hand luggage and it has been fine?

This is quite ridiculous.

[steveo3002]

you wont want to put much in the carry on bag , no liquids over 100ml are allowed and anything metal or big could be used as a weapon

check the airline allowance and get a nice sturdy box and parcel it all up nice n strong then check that in as an extra bag

saw a guy bring 4 wheels home packed in 2 parcels of 2

its best not to lock the luggage , anyone that wants to thieve will anyway