Happy Valentine’s Day
Every February 14, Valentine’s day, across the world, gifts are exchanged between loved ones
Valentine’s day is fast approaching, what surprise will you be buying for your loved one if you are living outside of the EU and sending a gift to the UK?
Did you know import duty and VAT maybe payable by the receiver on gifts?
To help avoid disappointment or embarrassment when making your romantic gesture let us help you prevent any unexpected customs charges with 10 tips
10 Valentine’s day tips
1) Valentine gift must be sent from a private individual outside the EU to a private individual in the UK
2) Do not use a business to send or receive as it is viewed as a “commercial transaction” regardless of content
3) The gift must be of an “occasional nature” such as valentines
4) The 
valentines gift can’t be paid for either directly or indirectly by anyone in the UK.
5) Buying from an online store to be sent directly to the recipient does not qualify for relief because it is viewed as a commercial transaction.
6) Gifts over £39 are liable to VAT. Customs Duty also becomes payable if the value of the goods is over £135.
7) Gifts of perfumes or after shave have relief from Customs Duty and Excise Duty subject to limited quantities likewise the value still plays a major part.
(i) Most noteworthy: Perfumes 50 gms of perfume or Toilet waters 0.25 litres of toilet water
8) Multiple items for one person: If a package contains many different types of gifts these should be separately described, and each given a value on the customs declaration.
9) Relief to customs charges will be based on the shipment value not per item.
10) Clearly mark all documentation as “VALENTINE’S GIFT”
Above all, our final piece of advice is to make sure your customs agent, courier or broker applies the rules correctly to prevent your loved one receiving a charge for Duty/VAT/ possibly excise along with any other handling fee
For further guidance on any customs matters please contact https://clearlightcustoms.com or call 01283 553099
