Page 1 of Customs Limit for Gift

I know the limit for normal Imports is £18 but is there a higher limit for items marked Gift?

I am tempted by the amazing Sopranos deal at EzyDVD but dont want to get stung by customs.

Also, If I were to get stung does anyone how the duty is calculated?

Thanks.

I think the limit is £36 but I dont know how it is calcualted. And shippers wont always mark as a gift either. Check with them first.

At EzyDVD you can specify in additional info (on order form) to mark it `As a Girft`

can anyone else confirm the £36 limit?
Also, does anyone know how the duty is calculated?

To quote customs:

3.3 Can I get relief from duty or VAT on any goods?
Yes. EC agreements allow relief from charges on certain imported goods if they:

have an intrinsic value of £18 or less although this particular relief does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters which are covered in paragraph 3.4. The intrinsic value is the actual value of the goods excluding postage, packing and other miscellaneous costs;
are gifts worth £36 or less which comply with the rules shown in paragraph 3.5; or
are entitled to any other relief, as explained in paragraph 3.7.

Full info available here:

http://www.hmce.gov.uk/forms/notices/143.htm

Mark.

Nice one Mark.
I did originally try looking on the customs website but gave up after a while of going round in circles.
Thanks.

This item was edited on Tuesday, 7th May 2002, 10:03