Chiff and Fipple Forums

I realize this question has been discussed previously, with regards to importing pipes into the U.S., but with little information regarding the duty fees when transferring a set from the U.S. into the U.K. Are there import duty fees when transferring a used set of pipes from the U.S. to the U.K.? If so, what is that duty rate? If anyone would share a document number, or website address which would clarify this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
dave boling

I don't know whether this will be of any help to you, but there's a useful duty and taxes calculator at https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

This should get you started, plenty more similar pages on gov.uk


Goods sent from abroad

Customs duties should be 0%. However, watch out for Value Added Tax (VAT - essentially sales tax) which is 20%.

Budget a broker fee of between $60 and $100 which your courrier will charge for preparing and submitting the customs documents.

It seems that the Harmonized System (HS) Code for bagpipes is 9205909000.

Does it work out to be cheaper to hand carry the instrument to the destination — plus getting a short vacation in the mix?

Just curious.

Steve

Steve Bliven wrote: ↑Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:25 am Does it work out to be cheaper to hand carry the instrument to the destination ...

Not if you get stopped by a customs officer in the airport

Over a certain amount VAT will need to be paid which is 20%, the pipes will definitely be over the limit.
Some courier firms will charge /add a handling charge.

I did have a document from UPS with a break down of charges from last year when I imported a set but the document doesn't open correctly

If the pipes were made in the UK there is the possibility of claiming they are being returned to the country of origin which I tried once with a chanter but the hassle and problems with the forms made me quit after a few months.

If possible, ship the pipes through the USPS/Royal Mail. Courier companies like UPS, Purolator, DHL, etc. charge a huge amount of money to do the customs paperwork.