[Il Padrino]

Hi one and all, I've been presented with the customs charges (and the Royal Mail £8 charge) recently after buying a piece from the US (sent here to the UK)...

Can anyone tell me their experience in this regard (customs charges, Royal Mail etc. on return to the UK) after having sent pieces to any U.S. refacing specialists for work done? Are customs able to differentiate that it's not the piece being bought, but alterations to a piece already owned?

 

[Tonehole]

The refacer should declare the piece was a return after repair not purchase on the declaration form.

 

[LiAm84]

This happened to me a few years ago. I sent a mouthpiece (from the UK) to be refaced in the US. When the refacer sent it back he insured/declared it for the full value of the mouthpiece (a vintage Otto Link - so quite expensive). I had to pay the full customs/VAT charge on the value of the mouthpiece. I contacted HMRC and I think I had to send the proof of postage of me sending the mouthpiece to the US and also evidence of payment for the reface, receipts etc... HMRC then refunded me the customs charge and only charged me VAT/Customs on the refacing work. A bit of a hassle.

 

[MojoBari]

I usually declare them as a gift worth $20.

 

[Il Padrino]

Thank you for the replies and info guys.