[Elecraft] Can I avoid UK import duty on Elecraft products?

[WQ8Q]

While I don't have an answer for you, exactly . . . I noticed in the review
of the K2 in RADCOM  March 2003, Dave Sergeant G3YMC had the same problem
and mentions "I was incorrectly charged this (import duty) but managed to
reclaim it from Customs & Excise by writing to the address on the label."

Looks like there's either a glitch in the system somehow, or this might just
be something you'll have to deal with?  Anyhow, maybe contacting G3YMC might
help.

73 de Rick, WQ8Q


----- Original Message -----
From: <harryweston@beeb.net>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: <harryweston@beeb.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2003 2:24 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Can I avoid UK import duty on Elecraft products?


> Hi
>
> I am about to buy my third lot of K2 items. I live in UK and
> bought the first lot, K2, KNB2, KAF2 and KAT2 in late 2001.
> It all came by post with no import duty charged, just the
> expected UK Value Added Tax.
>
> Without the UK A licence I couldn't work HF so I lingered
> over the building, with about six weeks spent enjoying the
> receiver before completing the Transmitter. I did have K2
> #2378 fully operational in time for my Morse test and A
> licence in June 2002. I greatly enjoyed the build, and fully
> endorse all the praise for Elecraft and its products. It is
> so good to deal with a company that has such high ideals, and
> gives such good value. The K2 is exactly the rig for me,
> starting as a novice ham aged 70+
>
> Then I ordered K160RX, KIO2, KSB2 and the MH2 microphone.
> This too came by post, but this time I was incorrectly
> charged 6 GBP, about 4 dollars, import duty. I tried to claim
> it back but I was sent a form that required me to supply
> three things -- the date and port of entry into the UK, and
> the customs valuation -- which I didn't know, and the help
> line was always engaged! Not only that but the form sent to
> me to claim on had no return address given!
>
> For the six quid charge this seemed too much trouble, so I
> didn't bother, but now I want to order the KPA100, KAT100 and
> the mods to convert to B specification. Import duty charged
> (incorrectly) on this would be a considerable amount, so I
> want to avoid incurring it if possible. I will be ordering
> direct from Elecraft via Email.
>
> So, my question is: what carrier do I choose, who would
> correctly classify the items as 'no import duty' and save me
> the cost or problems of reclaiming it? I would rather pay a
> bit more carriage than be wrongly charged.
>
> I read the reflector by downloading the digests each Sunday,
> this is sent on 4th May, so I will download any replies on
> 11th May, so please don't be offended if I don't acknlowledge
> until after 18th may!!
>
> 73 Harry M0SOP
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