The recent release of Google’s Nexus One phone has been met with mixed feelings amid reports of poor Customer service and bugs affecting certain functions; but, one thing is certain, it’s a nice piece of kit and there’s huge interest in the UK with people scrambling to be among the first to own the latest gizmo.

Whilst the Nexus One will eventually become available through Vodafone, the launch date has yet to be confirmed, so buyers are looking to the States where the phone is already available (and cheap) – but, the one question affecting that decision to purchase from abroad remains ‘What import taxes will I have to pay ?’. We’ve seen a range of rates put forward in various chat forums….so we’ve decided to put the record straight, here and now…. !

Currently, HM Revenue & Customs consider the ‘essential character’ of the Nexus One (and the iPhone for that matter) to be that of a mobile phone.

So what ? You ask. Well, it’s good news for you technology addicts….mobile phones are duty free on import into the EU ! (But please beware, you will still have to pay import VAT calculated on the sum of the price of the phone + shipping + insurance).

The ‘essential character’ really does work in your favour (sometimes); for example, stand alone Sat Nav’s attract duty at 3.7% and you’d have to pay a whacking 13.9% import duty on a DVD player, but you can ship a mobile complete with GPS application and video playback function and its’ still classified by Customs as a mobile phone – duty free – happy days !

So, what better reason to get on line and get to the front of the queue for that latest ‘must have’ smart phone.

Sean

DutyCalculator.com | Taking the guesswork out of import duty