Returning to UK Permanently with Computer Equipment etc.

[begurk1137]

I'll be returning to the UK soon (next month) and have essential computer equipment I'd like to take back without incurring too much expense including:

Motherboard & fitted memory (฿5k)

2 int. 1TB HD

graphics card (radeon nano)  (฿5k)

900W power supply (฿4k)

6 MyBook HDs (~฿5k each = ~฿30k)

Laptop (฿10k)

 

All over 6 months to 3yrs old. Bit & bobs to total new value <£2000.

 

Also, If I can't sell it, a Nikon D810 (3 yrs old, ~฿200,000 (£4.5k) when new, but AF broken).

 

If I roll up at Heathrow with a box full of the above, how complicated/expensive will HMRC make my life?

 

My last visit to UK lasted about 6 weeks and March-April last.

 

Cheers,

 

K.

[OJAS]

Since the total cost of the items you are planning to bring back to the UK with you appears to exceed £390, they will need to be declared to Customs upon arrival:-

 

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/arrivals-from-outside-the-eu

 

[Chomper Higgot]

I'd sell the computer stuff, the camera is probably unsellable with a broken AF.

 

 

[OJAS]

19 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I'd sell the computer stuff, the camera is probably unsellable with a broken AF.

 

 

I agree - not only so as to avoid customs duty but also because the box would almost certainly need to checked into the aircraft hold with its obvious security risks (not to mention the distinct possibility of damage arising from baggage handlers chucking it about with reckless abandon).

[topt]

Could the OP just put in his suitcase and if queried say he was visiting? If yes would this then apply?

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-3-bringing-your-belongings-pets-and-private-motor-vehicles-to-uk-from-outside-the-eu/notice-3-bringing-your-belongings-pets-and-private-motor-vehicles-to-uk-from-outside-the-eu#section4

Quote

4.2 How to declare personal effects if you’re a visitor

For personal belongings under €10,000 in value (except pets and firearms)

At import you can go through the green ‘nothing to declare’ channel as explained in paragraph 3.1.

Presumably he will be carrying the laptop in hand baggage anyhow?

How likely would they be to follow it up?

[HauptmannUK]

I travel very extensively for my job and frequently carry a lot of electronic parts (microprocessors, memory, motherboards, cables etc) in my luggage. I have never yet had a problem - China, SE Asia, Africa etc.  Pack it in your luggage and you will be fine.

[begurk1137]

Thanks all.

 

I'll take as much as I can  with me within 30kg limit, esp the HDs, but might ship the rest by SevenSeas and take a hit on the VAT rather than get into the quagmire of Transfer of Residence claims.

 

I know HMRC are likely to charge 20% of the value, but how do they estimate the value of used items > 6 months old - 50% new value? And what about stuff that 'obviously' came from the UK originally but not necessarily provable with paperwork?

 

The camera has been to the UK at least once and is well used.

 

Otherwise I'll install some crypto mining software and see what I can get for the graphics computer on KaiDee.

[RandomSand]

I traveled with 3 cases, on Malaysia Airlines, BKK to Heathrow, as follows without any interuption or extra fees;

 

Case #1, 15Kg, - 2 x HD monitors, motherboard with cpu and ram.

Case #1, 15Kg, - 2 x HD monitors, all cables with other bits and bobs.

Case/Bag #3, 7Kg, - clothing (carry on baggage)

(note; a personal bag / vanity case with food etc can also be taken on board)

 

I packed the cases with custom-fit foam. I bought the from an upholstery shop on Sukhumvit.

 

When I transfered at KLIA, I was a bit worried that I'd forget any fragile tape, so I talked to the staff... When I got to Heathrow my bags had "Hot Transfer" tape over them, whatever that means? Anyway I cannot fault Malaysia Airlines.

[begurk1137]

Thanks.

 

I looked at Thai & Malaysia for excess baggage:  whereas Thai is a more expensive ticket, Malaysia is way more expensive for 15kg extra (prebooked) baggage. I'm not clear on whether the charge quoted would include both legs (BKK-KUL & KUL-LHR). Factoring in the convenience of a direct flight I'm leaning toward Thai.

 

[RandomSand]

Both legs?

Would they allow adding extra baggage at KL ?

...Sorry to imply the above sarcasm but why else would the allowance not include both legs ?

 

I can't remember hauling my own baggage during the transfer.

 

https://mab-community.force.com/faq/s/article/When-and-where-can-I-purchase-Prepaid-Baggage?language=en_US

[begurk1137]

One might imagine so, but I'm looking for unwelcome surprises as funds are short.

 

The excess rates  are quoted for region 1 to region one and region 1 to region 5, so there is certainly the potential to put one over on me if they see the chance.

 

[RandomSand]

I suppose it'd be foolish to take my advice when the airline staff can represent themselves...

 

Did you consider sending your clothes separately, including a Commercial Invoice and photocopy of your passport with each (three) copies of the Airway Bill; listing the items as "personal effects" ?

 

Having worked in shipping myself this is the information most customers would provide with their belongings so the Customs Agent (i.e DHL) can dismiss any charges. The idea being that you show your passport to the Customs Agent on collection so they can release the import as non-commercial personal effects.

 

Signing the Commercial Invoice under the following statement "These are my own personal effects which I've owned for at least six months." would simplify the release in many countries... although I have no idea about the UK!

 

If they still demanded complicated forms then I suppose you could just pay the tax on the value declared within the Commercial Invoice (which should list yourself as both importer and exporter.) https://www.ups.com/gb/en/help-center/packaging-and-supplies/export/comm-invoice.page

 

[boldface]

Just stick it all in a suitcase, wrapped up well but not as if you were concealing it and carry it through. Yes, the taxman loves a nice easy target and ill gladly take money off you, but are hardly going to hunt you down over this lot. If caught worse that happens is they give you a telling off and a note on the system to frisk you next time you land. 

 

Don't volunteer to give them money though. That would be daft. 

[HauptmannUK]

You are overthinking this. Later this month I'll be flying to BKK and then on to China with about 20 motherboards, plus other components and cables. Done so numerous times before. Also bought back stuff the other way with no problems.

If I was going to the US or India it would be a different story.