Importing...

Does anyone know how much of a hassle it is to import goods for resale??? We will have a small business and would like to suplemenet the main items with pet-related greeting cards. I can buy them wholesale from my fave place in the US in small amounts, but what will I have to pay? Just the VAT?? or some other "duty"??

Import duty is applied to a wide range of goods at varying rates, although shipments of very low value aren't charged.

VAT is then added on top of that total, if applicable (yes, they actually levy a tax on the tax!).     If your business is VAT-registered, then you would have to pay only the import duty, not the VAT (or if the VAT was paid you would be able to claim it back in the usual way).

Try to H.M. Revenue & Customs website for more details:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/