1. The first consideration is Customs Duty (also known as Import Duty). This is calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods. The actual figure varies according to the type of goods. For example, radios and computers are rated at 0% whereas a CD player is rated at 9.5% (without a radio) or 12% (with a radio). Clothing is theoretically rated at 12%. However, the UK currently has sanctions in place because the USA is in breach of World Trade Organisation rules on subsidies to cotton farmers. That means that cotton-based clothing from the USA currently attracts 27% duty.
2. If the duty, calculated as above, comes to less than �7 it's disregarded. (i.e. if the theoretical figure is only �6.99, you pay nothing).
3. VAT is calculated. For most goods this is 17.5%. This is charged on the value of the goods, the carriage charges and on the duty. (Yes, that's a tax on a tax!).
4. A customs examination fee is added on to what you have to pay. Unless you're importing very high value consignments, this will be �8.
Here's a 'worked example', assuming that you import cotton-based clothing that costs you �100, plus �20 carriage:
Customs duty = �27
VAT = 17.5% of (�100 + �20 + �27) = �25.73
Examination fee = �8
Total to pay = �60.73
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebAp p/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_page Label=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=docu ment&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454
Chris