Bike in Customs
Cycling June 23rd, 2008
We’re always being told that we’re in a global economy, so why have I just had to pay so much to get my new bicycle, a new world tourist, through customs? Is the UK being protectionist about bicycles?
Ah well, I should have done my research more carefully to avoid the surprise - but from past experience it wasn’t easy to put a hypothetical to the customs people.
Anyway, I should get it tomorrow. Exciting.
Things that interest me… 
You are at least being hit by VAT, which is always paid in the country of destination. If you are importing from the EEA, the country you are buying it from you should be exempt from VAT in that country.
Hence customs should always want to be involved. It’s another story that UK customs seems from anecdotes to be very lax about even holding things for VAT
Whether there are additional levies, I have no idea.
It’s coming in from the US of A.