Importing Gendaito Into The Uk

[Adam M]

Hello Gents,

 

I am currently looking for a new sword, I came across a good site in the U.S. selling a couple of nice Gendaito in Gunto mounts. Has anyone in the UK imported a non antique sword recently and how did it go?

 

Where there extra fees involved?, what tariff code was used? and is there a way to receive a sword without paying fees at all. 

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

Adam.

[paulb]

Hi Adam

Like most things involving HMRC results seem inconsistent. I have heard of some people who import as Military collectable and not paying anything other than the 5% VAT paid on antiques. Others have paid full duty and VAT

Under Governmment definition Geandaito are not antiques therefore subject to full duty. The "Collectable" artefact seems to confuse the issue somewhst and what you get charged seems a little down to luck.

Regarding Tariff code I think Parcelforce have a link to lists of codes. The normal one for metal antiques doesnt apply so I am guessing there must be something else.

Not much help, sorry.

Regarding your last point about paying nothing, I am not aware of any legal option that would let you do this and the risk of prosecution for fraud makes it not worth risking anything else.

[Adam M]

Thanks for your help Paul.

[Kronos]

tariff code 9705 instead of 9706. Still 5% Vat. Basically it's a collectors piece of ethnographic interest.

[paulb]

thanks James

useful information