Importing a new machine from Europe

[Hay Farmer]

I ordered and paid (£5k) for a machine from an Austrian manufacturer back in October. They are sending it next week and seem to think that getting it into the UK is not a problem.

I don't know much about importing stuff, so I read a bit about about it on here and also the usual BBC brexit "news" stories. The government advice pages seem pretty damn complicated to me - so I thought I'd do the easy thing and ask on here.

I assume I'll have to pay UK VAT on it but when do I pay this?

Do I need an Eori number?

Do I need and can I get the Austrian factory to produce a certificate of origin to avoid tariffs?

Or, will it just arrive at the farm as per normal?

Cheers.

 

[agri knives]

Google , customs clearance agent and they will fill you in on what you need to do.

 

[Frank-the-Wool]

As you have paid for the machine back in October you should be alright.
However did the price you paid include the VAT in Austria?

If so then you will be OK but not now able to reclaim the VAT.
If you have not paid the VAT then you will have to pay it at the Border here.

You will need a Shipping Agent to smooth the way. How is it being delivered?

 

[Hay Farmer]

As you have paid for the machine back in October you should be alright.
However did the price you paid include the VAT in Austria?

If so then you will be OK but not now able to reclaim the VAT.
If you have not paid the VAT then you will have to pay it at the Border here.

You will need a Shipping Agent to smooth the way. How is it being delivered?

There was no vat element on the original invoice that I’ve paid. The Austrian company usually use DB Schenker to send their stuff. I would assume that they know what they’re doing?

 

[Frank-the-Wool]

There was no vat element on the original invoice that I’ve paid. The Austrian company usually use DB Schenker to send their stuff. I would assume that they know what they’re doing?

Should be fine, it will be interesting to see if you have to pay the VAT on arrival?
Let us know how you get on.
I have just thought as nothing is being checked on the way in until April or July you may get away with the VAT.

 

[Hay Farmer]

Should be fine, it will be interesting to see if you have to pay the VAT on arrival?
Let us know how you get on.
I have just thought as nothing is being checked on the way in until April or July you may get away with the VAT.

Will do - thanks.

 

[masseybreaker]

i think you will need a eori number just get one then if you do it stops any delays. you have to apply for it but its your vat number with 3 zeros

 

[Hay Farmer]

I’ve just been told by customs that I don’t need an eori number, and the latest message from the Austrian factory is...

‘we are sorry for the delay – we wanted to send it to you but our transporter (Schenker) told us that at the moment, there are so many problems with the import to the UK. So we decided to wait till Schenker gives us the ok for the transport (they had goods which they intended to send still in December – all the goods returned because there were documents missing which are needed now….) – Sorry for the delay, we will keep you informed, we think that everything will be ok in March.’

 

[Frank-the-Wool]

I’ve just been told by customs that I don’t need an eori number, and the latest message from the Austrian factory is...

‘we are sorry for the delay – we wanted to send it to you but our transporter (Schenker) told us that at the moment, there are so many problems with the import to the UK. So we decided to wait till Schenker gives us the ok for the transport (they had goods which they intended to send still in December – all the goods returned because there were documents missing which are needed now….) – Sorry for the delay, we will keep you informed, we think that everything will be ok in March.’

Just make sure it comes before April when the first tightening of imports starts.

 

[masseybreaker]

its a bit strange with the eori number some want it some dont at the moment. if i was you i would get one anyway theres no cost just the time it takes to get it