I have just had a bizarre conversation with a courier company that is bringing me a replacement section for a US supplied rod.

They tell me that because the new section is technically a replacement NOT a repair, that makes it liable for VAT etc etc !! They have also demanded proof that the section/rod is not a new purchase.

So on top of the manufacturers handling charge ($50) I am now going to have to pay VAT etc on the value (listed by the manufacturer at $100) of the new section.

I have had to repair several US made rods over the years and have never knowingly had to pay VAT and import duty as well as the manufacturers handling charges - is this a new customs scam ?

Anybody else out there got stung like this?

Crazy! I would contact the manufacturer so that they can classify these repairs accordingly with customs. I'm certain that they would like to make things as smooth as possible for customers outside of the USA, as it would help business.

It sounds like the customs people have too much time on their hands to go into such detail regarding a fishing rod. The rod would seem to have been repaired, rather than replaced. If you bought a pair of boots, and the manufacturer replaced a sole that had fallen off, that would be a shoe repair.
However, if the manufacturer lists itemizes each part of the repair, and states that the new sole has a value of $20, then I guess the customs people could make the argument. That's why the rod manufacturer needs to state that the fee they charge is for shipping and handling, and not parts.

The relevant rules are on the HMRC website: HM Revenue & Customs

Search for the word 'warranty'

The other option is to support UK retailers!

Might be a time to think about not buying USA rods then By British

Sounds typical of a few couriers (UPS?), some couriers pay the duty up front then demmand payment prior to delivering, insist on using USPS.

I would love to use UK dealers, but where can I find a 9ft 4wt Redington in the UK??, a 3wt GLX loomis??, I've contacted importers and major retailers and always seem to get the same line, we don't sell enough so "TOUGH", to be honest I'm getting sick of it, I use 2,3,4 & 5wts and always struggle to find what I'm after in anything less than a 5wt.
So I'm going to import until the UK importers get a grip and service the fly fishing community, not just the big markets hand picked based on turnover, there is more to fly fishing than 7wts.
It's the same with lines, I need to have spare 2 and 3 wt lines because most UK dealers don't hold stock, I've purchased dozens of Rods and Reels from the UK high street over the last 40+ years but that's going to change, loyalty should be a 2 way thing .

There are very few stream or beck fishers I know who can source the gear they need, it's always a constant struggle.

Regs, G

__________________
"Perfection will do"

If it IS a warranty repair then with a zero cost invoice from the manufacturer then it is VAT/duty free.
If it is a second hand rod, then duty & VAT are due.
A couple of stories, I had an Abel TR1 which developed an anodising prob, and Abel decided to send another gratis, and I could keep the original. I got stung by HMRC as I never paid VAT on the second free reel!
Second story, I bought a classic rod from the US second hand and paid a large sum in import duty and vat, however when it arrived it was in poorer shape than I was led to believe. I sent it back to the manufacturer to refurbish at great cost, when it came back in I was stung again, as it was now deemed a different rod being refurbished! Adding the cost of shipping and insuarnce each way it is the most expensive graphite rod I've ever bought!I've recently had to make a few claims back from HMRC for reels set back to the US for warranty repair. I had to provide all documentation, including RM proof of sending and tracking, zero cost invoices and original invoices, and email trails but with this info it was back in my pocket less parcelforce fee. Make sure you keep all documentation or you're scuppered. Last time it was returned in about a month.

Thanks for the suggestions.

The rod (T&T) was bought in UK (Farlows sale). Given that T&T dont currently have an official UK distributor I simply contacted them via their US website to arrange a warranty repair.

The courier says the additional charges will be £27 - so I will have to try and claim that back from Customs.

In my eyes 2 sections of a 3 piece rod are pretty useless - so I can sensibly claim that the new third section is a repair........even if UPS disagree with me!

Somebody mentioned buying British in future. Recently I bought a 9wt rod from Steve at Atomsix for saltwater fishing. It is outstanding. He will be first port of call in future.

NEVER us UPS unless you can't avoid it, they pay the tax up front usually based on receipt value, you then HAVE to pay them before they deliver, you will find USPS are mch better to deal with

Regs, V....

__________________
"Perfection will do"

I think that you'll find that Parcelforce are much more on the ball these days and nothing much gets through (even if the dubious practice of underdeclaring the goods' value is used) and the goods will be held until the vat/duty/fee is paid.
Small item like a line sent Airmail will get through - probably - but you wouldn't send something like that by courier anyway!
If I did have something of high value be sent, I'd prefer courier to USPS/RM/PF my thinking is that rightly or wrongly, it will be better treated than through the mail system.
In any case they usually deliver, then send a bill a few days/weeks later, not hold onto the goods until you pay like Parcelforce. In this way if there is a dispute, and you do have the documentation, the charge can be dropped, but you have your goods (I had this happen with an Abel which was dropshipped from the manufacturer but purchased from a French dealer).
S

Then it's a warranty repair. Get T&T in the US to send or email (PDF) a zero cost invoice and they don't have a leg to stand on. If you have an email trail between you and T&T then even better. Then scan it all just to be safe and send it all (by RMSD!) to HMC&E (or whatever they're called these days) and they will send a cheque back to you after reviewing it. I think I have the address if you don't.