Importation - Charges by HMRC

[MisterG]

I'm looking to get a rail system, but not worth it if I get stung with the RM tax.  Might just go to Taiwangun in the end, and get some other bits and pieces.

I also find Chinese stuff is getting much more expensive on eBay, some are charging near Uk prices, and with all the hassle of waiting weeks and the risk of more to pay, not worth it tbh.

 

[Polluxtroy69]

I'm looking to get a rail system, but not worth it if I get stung with the RM tax.  Might just go to Taiwangun in the end, and get some other bits and pieces.

I also find Chinese stuff is getting much more expensive on eBay, some are charging near Uk prices, and with all the hassle of waiting weeks and the risk of more to pay, not worth it tbh.

Have you tried Aliexpress? You do habe to wait like 3 weeks for stuff but as long as the reviews are ok then the item should be fine. You're covered by their 'alipay' if something gets lost in the post too. I've picked up quite a bit of stuff (mostly non airsoft) like headlamp upgrades, caps for my car. Plugs for when I'm travelling and I've not had any quality issues. The only airsoft thing I have bought is a 1 point sling and that is exactly the same as more expensive ones that I have seen at games. So it might be worth looking. Also I have never had any import charges and usually the item is sent where it needs signing for yet the delivery is usually free. 

 

[Lozart]

+1 on Aliexpress. 

If you don't mind waiting you can usually save a fair bit.

 

[Guest]

Another vote for AliExpress, or DHGate, very similar services and Ibe never had to pay customs through either, but always on kit from the States, and often Japan

 

[MisterG]

Ok cheers.

I've had a look, but if I get stung with the RM tax, brings the prices close to Taiwangun for Keymod, but certainly worth it for M-lok.

Do you quote Ukara numbers when ordering?

I know in theory it only applies to RIFs, but @ImTriggerHappy said he had to privide proof for a stock and receiver that came in from Switzerland.

Cheers

G

+1 on Aliexpress. 

If you don't mind waiting you can usually save a fair bit.

No rush atm.

Main item I am after is a rail system, but trying to get the gun functioning as a DMR first.  TDC mod hop adjust jammed yesterday, was so overhapped I could shoot down birds ?

So didn't really get to test it properly, was shooting far into the distance, which is promising.

I also need to decide on keymod vs m-lok.

Cheers

G

 

[Lozart]

Ok cheers.

I've had a look, but if I get stung with the RM tax, brings the prices close to Taiwangun for Keymod, but certainly worth it for M-lok.

Do you quote Ukara numbers when ordering?

I know in theory it only applies to RIFs, but @ImTriggerHappy said he had to privide proof for a stock and receiver that came in from Switzerland.

Cheers

G

That's the thing, Aliexpress doesn't give a crap about UKARA (neither will HMRC because you're not importing RIFs, only parts). As yet I've never been hit with any additional fees.

No rush atm.

Main item I am after is a rail system, but trying to get the gun functioning as a DMR first.  TDC mod hop adjust jammed yesterday, was so overhapped I could shoot down birds ?

So didn't really get to test it properly, was shooting far into the distance, which is promising.

I also need to decide on keymod vs m-lok.

Cheers

G

M-Lok. Clearly.

As far as rail systems go, I bought this one relatively recently https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Float-Slim-Handguard-One-piece-Top-Rail-System-KeyMod-Light-For-AR-15-Black-with/32356102137.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dBewMXP for a shade over £67 with free shipping. Took a couple of weeks but no duty, no RM tax, nothing. Just for example.

 

[Polluxtroy69]

Here's the subject part. I guess the free patch has taken some sting out eh? 

View attachment 36775

 

[ak2m4]

So in total, came to about £36 ?  Sucks man

Here's the subject part. I guess the free patch has taken some sting out eh? 

View attachment 36775

 

[ImTriggerHappy]

That's the thing, Aliexpress doesn't give a crap about UKARA (neither will HMRC because you're not importing RIFs, only parts).

Not entirely true. Anything that is remotely weapon related can be flagged up and queried. 

They probably wouldn't pull a rail as they dont scream gun on an xray machine but a receiver and stock certainly did ?

Ukara isn't required except for rifs but anything can queried if they choose. Didn't get asked directly for Ukara although it was part of the proof I used was mainly along the lines of why do you want it and are you making a gun.

 

[E21A]

Not entirely true. Anything that is remotely weapon related can be flagged up and queried. 

They probably wouldn't pull a rail as they dont scream gun on an xray machine but a receiver and stock certainly did ?

Ukara isn't required except for rifs but anything can queried if they choose.

True dat. I had to make a firearms declaration for some magazines a while back ?

 

[Lozart]

Not entirely true. Anything that is remotely weapon related can be flagged up and queried. 

They probably wouldn't pull a rail as they dont scream gun on an xray machine but a receiver and stock certainly did ?

Ukara isn't required except for rifs but anything can queried if they choose. Didn't get asked directly for Ukara although it was part of the proof I used was mainly along the lines of why do you want it and are you making a gun.

True dat. I had to make a firearms declaration for some magazines a while back ?

Well, you learn something new every day.

Which unfortunately pushes out some of the old stuff so...oh look! A squirrel!

 

[Sacarathe]

Though slightly off topic, it has been my experience that slow post through our nation's capital attracts far less attention than some of the less busy places which can examine every parcel. While I lived in London I had >$2000 in imports which did not attract any charges (admittedly most of them were fraudulently marked down at 1/10th of their value (though still over £15) - something which I never requested. 

Since moving back up north every package has attracted the charges. I do believe I did once have a package which attracted more than £11.25 in duty - that was nice (as the duty was included and limited for orders under ~£750).

Ah, the point. While I was in London all of the "speedpost" packages of any value always attracted the charges. When ordering from Asia - in or around a big city opt for the slowest delivery method.

And watch out for evike and UPS, UPS demands your UKARA number before they will even process the package through customs if the shipper is a known airsoft retailer (and their daily rental pre-customs is much higher than post-customs). You can of course get around this by telling them to open the parcel if ukara doesn't apply.  

 

[Polluxtroy69]

So in total, came to about £36 ?  Sucks man

Yup. I know. Ah well.

 

[gasman]

Well just had to pay £24.73 to HMRC for my part from G&G wishing I had just bought a new gun instead, love new toys, OH THE EXPENSE

 

[BigStew]

It sucks paying tax but these are the rules we agree to live by. I would also remind people this is an open forum I would not go broad casting about committing tax invasion.