US bought Hardrock HF 50W PA or Elecraft KXPA100 PA costs

I was asked to comment about the extra costs of two PA kits that  someone was considering. I am not a fan or either as I do not use a PA when operating but thought I should also point out in case anyone is buying either of these from the US. (and not from ML&S, W&S et al).I buy bits and pieces from the US so used to the formula you need to apply...

As the shipment is coming into the UK from US it will be deemed an IMPORT and it is very rare that you will not get charged VAT at least. £ is at todays exchange rate £1 = $1.68

There is no Customs or Excise duty to pay (as it is amateur radio kit) but they will charge an admin fee AND VAT on the shipping costs and the declared value and it has to be paid before delivery.... note if the declared value is not realistic be prepared for them to check what the real value is if they think it was set too low! Happened on one parcel sent $5 declared value and was really $84.

 

The Hardrick-50 HF kit and P&P (shipping) will cost about $420 (£249.68 12/6/2014)

 

You will need to add:

20% VAT on the declared value and shipping costs in this case $49.72 (£29.56 12/6/2014) plus a £13.50 clearance fee (admin charge basically)

So the kit will cost you an additional £43.06 or £292.74 total.

The Elecraft KXPA100 and P&P (shipping) will cost about $790.91 (£470.18 12/6/2014)

You will need to add:

20% VAT on the kit and the shipping costs $79.09, converted to £47.02 (12th June 2014)
plus a £13.50 clearance fee (admin charge basically)

So the kit will cost you an additional £60.52 or £ 530.70 total.

 

Be advised.... you can get asked to pay these fees if you carry something in to the UK too, if you declare it. You can get fined and have it confiscated if you do not declare it! I was asked to pay the duty for one of my KX3 recently... but luckily had the receipt and the previous customs charge payment details.

Yes they do seem much cheaper direct (W&S quoting £699 for a KXPA100 kit so that is £169 saving) :-)