Duty Rates
The duty rates applied to imports into the United Kingdom typically range between 0% (for example books) and 17% (for example Wellington Boots). Some products, such as Laptops, Mobile Phones, Digital cameras and Video Game consoles, are duty free. However, certain goods may even be subject to additional duties depending on the country of manufacture, for example Bicycles made in China carry an additional (anti dumping) duty of 48.5%.
VAT Rates
The standard VAT rate for importing items into the United Kingdom is 20%, with certain products, for example Children's car seats, attracting VAT at the reduced rate of 5%, and some goods are exempt from VAT altogether, for example books, children clothes and children shoes. VAT is calculated on the value of the goods, plus the international shipping costs and insurance, plus any import duty due.