customs at airport

drphill · 23-01-08

Hi,

I goto Hong Kong every 6 weeks and buy bags (not counterfeit) and bring them home in my case through LHR, i normally go thorugh 'nothing to declare' but recently started to worry about this and would like to declare them, i run a business.

Last week i had a call from UPS regarding a clothing shipment from the states, one of the items was of chinese origin, he asked did i have an import license, i replied no and he said the shipment would need to get sent back to the states.

My question is, these bags i bring back are made in china, i have receipts to prove value, if i declare them and pay duty & import tax on them, is there a chance of customs not letting me bring them ito country.

thoughts please

Cranny.U · 23-01-08

Firstly you need to declare them at customs. How do you account for them?

There is no reasons why they should be refused at customs unless they are branded. If they are branded you would need authrorisation from the brand owner.

Jayden.ONeil · 23-01-08

Hi,

The first few times, i only brought back 10 or 15, last 2 times its been more like 50 or 75, reckon next time i'll just go through red channel.

Whats the procedure likely to be and are they ok if your upfront with them and not trying to hide anything.

riotin · 23-01-08

You have to notify customs several days before, you also need to sort out your previous visits as you are going to caught out.

lovebug · 23-01-08

You didn't say whether they are branded or not?

squirtell · 23-01-08

Hi,

branded, no, hey have pro-sport on them.

also, what do you mean getting caught out with previous visits

Zayis · 23-01-08

You will being showing on your company accounts purchases from China and sales in UK. Now HMRC are one organisation and they have a few brain cells between them they are going to think hay where is his import duty.

Duty evasion = criminal offence = prison/ massive fine.

WingMan · 23-01-08

Hi,

so far the purchaes have been so small, the bags only cost $2 each, ive been using my allowance for travel to purchase, so theres no record on accounts for stock bought from china.

but the next few trips i intend to buy 2 or 3 hundred and there will be then.

kalso · 23-01-08

You really need to get invoices no matter how small the purchase.

Your best bet is to phone up HMRC and explain to them what you plan to do and they will tell you what you need to do.

How are you going to fit 300 bags in your suitcase?