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Does anyone have experience with Chinese imports into the UK/EU?

by billy1234bob
2 replies
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Hey yall,

I've heard of ways to avoid paying VAT by devaluing the items. For example, if I listed the items as "electronics" or "window display iphones" with a valuation of $20 (when it's actually worth more), then I assume that they wouldn't levie the VAT? I'd just like to know how people's experience is like doing this and if it actually works. I'm just curious.

Thanks
#chinese #experience #imports #uk or eu #vat or customs
  • Profile picture of the author Importexport
    What you are describing is illegal and risky. It is a criminal offence to make a false declaration of value on imports.

    If you get caught, the penalty can be many times the value of the goods. Customs officers are not stupid, they handle thousands of imports every day and they have an amazing knowledge of real values.

    If you decide to go ahead, first make sure that your family will visit you in prison.

    Walter Hay
    Provenchinasourcing.com
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    Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Splatterfox
    Originally Posted by billy1234bob View Post

    Hey yall,

    I've heard of ways to avoid paying VAT by devaluing the items. For example, if I listed the items as "electronics" or "window display iphones" with a valuation of $20 (when it's actually worth more), then I assume that they wouldn't levie the VAT? I'd just like to know how people's experience is like doing this and if it actually works. I'm just curious.

    Thanks
    Originally Posted by Importexport View Post

    What you are describing is illegal and risky. It is a criminal offence to make a false declaration of value on imports.

    If you get caught, the penalty can be many times the value of the goods. Customs officers are not stupid, they handle thousands of imports every day and they have an amazing knowledge of real values.

    If you decide to go ahead, first make sure that your family will visit you in prison.

    Walter Hay
    Provenchinasourcing.com
    I absolutely agree with Walter. This kind of approach may work out a few times, but especially if you plan to do longterm business (what your ultimate goal should be anyway) you better start off doing everything correctly. Import taxes will be a VERY small expense position in your business compared to other stuff (besides the fact that you get all VAT back, you know that right?)

    I know that many of these Chinese suppliers (or at least the "not so trustworthy" ones) will make this kind of "offer" to you, but if I were you I'd DEFINETLY refuse it.
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