UK ordering frpm Aliexpress

[Shahbahraz]

Hi, thought I would ask fellow UK gamers about using Aliexpress? I wondered if I am going to get slammed with Customs, VAT, admin costs for HMRC?

I used them very happily in Oz, but I know the UK is the home of 'jobsworths', red tape and excessive charges for everything..

[Lowtardog]

I've used them a couple of times and not had an issue, last order of diecast vehicles came in 5 days too!!

[vexillia]

Hi, thought I would ask fellow UK gamers about using Aliexpress? I wondered if I am going to get slammed with Customs, VAT, admin costs for HMRC?

Like everything "it depends". Specifically:

• It always depends on the value of the goods plus the declared postage
• If this is low enough to qualify for low value consignment relief (LVCR) VAT threshold it will just be delivered.
• If not, and it gets noticed, you will have to pay 20% VAT on value of goods plus postage
• The Royal mail will charge you £8.00 for collecting the VAT. Others charge more.
• Unless you order a large amount customs duties are not an issue as the threshold is a lot higher.

I think the LVCR threshold is £15 and used to be £18 but I can't be sure.

As it's something of a gamble, it's all down to how lucky you feel?

[Andrew Rae]

It is £15 in the UK. Also note, in the event of a no-deal brexit, LVCR will be suspended for imports into the UK, so all packages will be liable for VAT.

Edit: Though liability will be with the seller not the customer. Apparently there will be online stuff for sellers to pay VAT.

Edit edit: Initial liability. If the seller doesn't comply, the customer is liable.

[Shahbahraz]

Good luck to the UK government trying to stick Ali with the VAT bill. Thanks to you and Martin for the responses. Looks like if I stick with small purchases it will all be ok.

[Andrew Rae]

Good luck to the UK government trying to stick Ali with the VAT bill.

That's what I was thinking!