Buying one, but how much, or the best way to buy?

[Mr Whippy]

http://www.esstuning.com/default.asp?c=shop&ca...

So,

4255 euros > 3,693.24 pounds
5995 dollars > 3629.97 pounds

I assume there is some Norway tax involved, but then since they don't appear to be in the EU, do I then need to think about import taxes when I bring it into the UK too?

Would I be better actually buying it in Norway and fitting it there, then driving back with it fitted?

Buying in dollars looks to be cheaper straight off.


I am guessing there are lots of caveats and conditions to when taxes are due or not etc, so basically I'm wondering what is the best way to get one of these whilst avoiding as much tax as possible (avoid, not evade )

Thanks for any input

Dave

Edited by Mr Whippy on Saturday 22 August 15:31

[Marf]

Depending on how the package is classified when it arrives here, you'll have a percentage added for customs, then VAT charged on top of that amount.

The last few bits I've ordered from Japan have helpfully been marked gift by the sender, so I've only paid VAT on the insured amount and avoided a customs charge.

[Mr Whippy]

So if I get a boat to Norway and buy it there in their native currency (or whatever gets me the best exchange rate), fit it to the car (or whatever else), and then drive it back over, I avoid the tax coming back into the UK? (because it's a gift/2nd hand or whatever else)

Dave

[Marf]

In theory yes, you wont be shipping it back as a package as its already attached to your car, if you choose not to declare the purchase then thats your business.

[Eric Mc]

Even if it is technically smuggling and therefore illegal.

Norway is not a member of the EU so the normal EU concessions will not apply.

[Mr Whippy]

Is it really smuggling, to buy it to keep? Say if you mixed it in with a little holiday (which I would)?

If you got new tyres while you were there would you also be smuggling those for example? A new T-shirt?

Do those who get medical care abroad for example, have to declare it when they re-enter the EU for 'smuggling' in goods/services?


Just curious of all this. It seems like a minefield of policy and technicalities, but in theory is the value relevant? Ie, if I bought a nice luxury that I didn't need, say an air-freshener in the shape of some fluffy dice, would that "technically" be importing goods?

Dave