Importing

Buying DVDs etc from overseas can sometimes be cheaper, sometimes the only way to get hold of a particular title, or sometimes just getting better value for your money (additional extras like a commentary, for example — check on dvdcompare.net) but there are various points you should keep in mind. These are just a few of them:

1. Make sure you can actually play the discs. Even if a DVD is labeled Region 0 (will play anywhere) you will need to ensure that both your DVD player and TV can handle the picture format used on the DVD (e.g. PAL, NTSC);

2. DVDs etc from Jersey based firms such as Tesco Jersey, Play, Sendit etc, are VAT free but go over the UK’s current £18 import threshold and you could find yourself being hit for import duty and worse still the admin charge for the firm delivering it (presently £8 if it’s the Royal Mail, often more for couriers);

3. Do check the Government’s Customs & Excise website to find the exchange rate they’re using in their calculations so that you can work out whether that $30 US boxset is over the £18 GBP limit or not, and do be aware that once you do go over the limit they add on the cost of the postage & packing and include that in their calculations too.

And, of course, if you have a problem it may mean returning the DVDs etc at your own expense. (And we haven’t even touched on whether the imported title is actually legal to import into the UK.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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