Anyone in the UK interested in a bulk order from centraltrade?

[SuziQ]

I already mentioned to you that I would be interested in this freddo and it would definitely be much easier for us this end if things could be posted to individuals. I can't help thinking they will make mistakes. It could end up like lucky dip. Still, very tempted.

[rob1522]

I'd be interested in getting some from there

[Papa Lazarou]

Ditto. Not sure what I'm after yet though.

[Mr.Darcy]

i might have a piece of the action as well Freddo...

[eyespy]

I don't think that asking CT to split an order and post bits of it to individuals would be a good idea - several packages could go missing in the post and then what happens?

Customs charges are a lottery - Everyone taking part should should budget to pay an extra 25% on top of what they pay for their initial order to cover the possibility of customs charges.

[Papa Lazarou]

Having imported a fair bit of stuff myself eyespy I would tend to agree with you about splitting the order. Some of it could be charged, some of it wouldn't, some of it could get lost. If its all sent by EMS to one person at least it would be easier to keep track of. I'd suggest splitting e-liquid from everything else though.

[freddo]

here is the email they sent me:

Hello,

Thanks for your e-mail, yes we can arrange if not too complex, we have done this in the past, but to make us easy each order must have clear shipment and personal informations.
Also be sure that the distonations belongs Not to remote AREAS , and that liquid orders must send separete by EMS courier.

Hope this answer is helpful

Many greetz,

Jocelyn

[Tetsab]

After my first post on this thread decided it would be an idea to do a bit more research so went back and read thru' all 19 pages about Pakaday's purchase & distribution. I've also spent hours on HMRC's website then got all brave and got in touch with HM Revenue & Customs to get advice - even ended up talking to one lass who is a smoker and actually KNEW what I was talking about as she's seen some people using e-cigs!

The long & the short of it: Pakaday's import into Aus DID get charged duty etc so I assume all 'joiners in' had to pay up their share in their prices. People he sent packages to here in UK mostly seem to have got away with it (none reported being taxed) but that was pure luck and nothing else.

Assuming these are 'postal' imports, the receiver WILL have to pay the Duty and VAT before they will be able to collect the package from a local Post Office depot. In addition, the classification codes which determine the duty rates (and you will need to know to fill out Customs form C88 before you can pay the duty & collect the goods) are being looked at and COULD be changed in next 4-6 weeks. Thanks, Brussels.

The current rates of duty are 3.7% for e-cigs which would include atomisers and batteries as well, rate for cartridges and liquid is 6.5%. Each of those plus 15% VAT as well so total 18.7% on cigs and 21.5% on liquids.

That will be based on sterling equivalent of USD at exchange rate of 1.51 for December. That rate will change in January. Could well go down, i.e. get worse from our point of view. It is the date of arrival that matters. Eyespy's estimate of allowing 25% extra is probably about right once you allow for that as well.

Trust me, that IS the short of it even if it doesn't look like it! Sorry to be so boring about it but Customs & Excise aren't people to fool around with. Even with the additions, the prices will still be well below what you pay from suppliers here. They also have premises costs, overheads etc - I'm not having a go.

DC2K08, do you have any specific info about risk of liquids getting banned? You've got me a bit worried there. I didn't actually ask about that, which I probably should have done.

[eyespy]

...Assuming these are 'postal' imports, the receiver WILL have to pay the Duty and VAT before they will be able to collect the package from a local Post Office depot...

If the package gets stopped at customs it'll be Parcel Force who pick it up - they take it to a depot near the delivery address and then send you a letter to come and collect - that's when they hit you with their fee

I've imported motor parts and electronics from the USA and Asia and IF they get stopped at customs you can count on duty + vat + Parcel Forces charge which all adds up to near as damn it 25% of the original cost.

Note - original cost = purchase price + the postage charge from where it came from

[Bertrand]

I've imported motor parts and electronics from the USA and Asia and IF they get stopped at customs you can count on duty + vat + Parcel Forces charge which all adds up to near as damn it 25% of the original cost.

I've had cigars labeled "motor parts" that got seized. They got AUD350 out of me on that one.