Import Duty?

Discussion in 'Ducati General Discussion' started by Alan Weston, Nov 3, 2025.

  1. Can anyone clarify wether import duty or vat is payable if you import from italy? For instance on ebay they have termis avaible brand new for approx £1300 plus postage. Its my understanding that if you buy from a dealer they have to pay the vat and adjust price accordingly. Dealer has indicated this is the case and suggested import duties mabe £20/30 pound. Does anyone know for sure?
    Thanks
     
  2. Utter minefield in my experience. I've been slammed before, and found there is no mechanism to dispute charges.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  3. Yes, there will be import duty.
    Had an exhaust from SC project earlier in the year, sorry cant remember duty but maybe around 20%.
    £20-30 sounds wrong…
     
  4. Good luck if you go ahead. I've had several experiences with same conclusion as above. The last time when seller guaranteed no additional charges i tried to get him to confirm full refund if this wasn't the case - you already know what happened..
     
  5. The courier will add a random, very large and totally non-negotiable “import duty” to your shipment.

    A Dealer probably buys local (Italian) VAT free, then pay UK import duty at a fully transparent rate.

    If I buy from EU I usually try and have the item posted to somewhere I will travel to in the near future for a track day.
     
  6. If the item is over £165 (I think) then its subject to duty.
     
  7. £135 threshold i think Terry?
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
  8. Thanks Chris for putting me right.........I knew there was a 1 and a 5 in there somewhere :p
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
  9. it makes a change that it's not me the way brain is eroding - i still had to look it up to check!:upyeah:
     
  10. It’s usually the invoice price plus postage and the courier adds a ‘handling fee’
    In total it’s usually around 25% to add on
     
  11. You'll pay import duty and VAT @ 20%, plus a handling fee. Make sure you're not charged the Italian VAT though. Some are still "trying it on" with that regards.
     
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  12. Import duty at ?% plus vat at 20%.
     
  13. Automotive parts normally attract 4.5% import duty
     
  14. I bought something from an Italian seller on eBay who charged me VAT and import duty. Then I had a message from DHL saying they wouldn’t deliver unless I paid the VAT. Think it was £35:00 on a £150 item. Luckily eBay stepped in and refunded me, happens a lot apparently.
     
  15. I work on purchase price plus 25% as a rule of thumb.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  16. Recently bought an ignition system from Germany, about £200. Import duty including handling about £50.
     
  17. I bought my termi end cans for my pani r from Italy and import tax was £500
     
  18. Possibly worse now from the states? A few years back I was refused delivery on an item from USA, until I collected from Parcel farce. Paid the extra duty. Stinger on a reasonably priced item! Best check it out on interweb.
     
    #20 Marcoduc, Nov 3, 2025
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2025
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