Buying a golf club in the US (on holiday)

[AndrewG]

Anyone know how the import duty/VAT system works if I purchase a golf club in the US, to bring back with me on the plane. I know the upper limit for 'other goods' for import duty was raised to £390 last year, so that should cover a driver I'd have thought, but would VAT be applicable, or is that just for if you purchase an item, and its posted into the UK?

Cheers all,

 

[USER1999]

If you have your other sticks with you, just chuck it in the bag with them and keep schtum. It's always worked for me.

If you are just bringing the driver back in a box, then it's more difficult. You don't pay VAT on second hand items, so if you have hit it down the range a few times, it might not look quite so new.

My guess is that customs won't really care for just the one item. If you had ten in a box they would be more interested, as it is clearly then a business.

Wayne Rooneys missus got done for trying to dodge through customs with 10k worth of new clothes. Stupid. If it was just a few items, she'd have got away with it.

 

[AndrewG]

Hmm - won't be taking anything out with me. 15 years ago I bought a Taylor Made LCG Wedge while in NY for work, I carried it through with no issues, but I suspect its a take your chances thing, depending on how bad a day the customs officer has had...

I think its about +30% if you do get caught with it, so if I see any bargains over there, it still might be worth it...

 

[sweatysock41]

If you are within your duty free allowance VAT is not payable. You go through the green zone - just have the receipt ready in case they stop you.

 

[LanDog]

I wonder if they will let you through if the club is explosive off the tee!!!!

 

[Oddsocks]

cost
+ 6% duty
+ 20% vat
+ £13.00 clearance charge

 

[BoadieBroadus]

If is under the customs limit then just walk through with it, though consider the possibility of an excess baggage charge which was $50 last time i took a new club back in a box when i had already checked in a suitcase.

 

[CliveW]

I was in Florida at the beginning of the year and to be honest the cost of new clubs wasn't much cheaper than buying here in the UK.

 

[Ethan]

There are some good value buys available in Florida. The US retailers tend to reduce last years clubs faster than the UK, and some brands that are not so available in the UK are worth looking at.

As above, if you are within duty limits, choose the green channel and walk through.

 

[RGDave]

If you have your other sticks with you, just chuck it in the bag with them and keep schtum. It's always worked for me.

and me!

I bring all sorts of stuff back from around the world.

Why not buy your driver, hit it a few times, rub some mud into the sole and say it was your brothers or something.

 

[Crawfy]

I wonder if they will let you through if the club is explosive off the tee!!!!

Boom boom!