Notice: Due to issues with the processing of VAT on deliveries to the EU a limit has been put in place, restricting orders to a maximum of £135. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.

For all our European Customers

22nd Dec 2020

I think that my personal views on the wisdom of the Brexit project are well known, but like it or not, it has happened, and things will change from January 1st.   As yet, the sharp intellects negotiating on our behalf have yet to actually distinguish their buttocks from their arm joints and no-one has a clue as to what the situation will be vis a vis tariffs, deals, no deals or the price of fish.

However, is certain is that the VAT regime will be changing.    So here is what I know will be happening and what we will be doing about it:

  • From 2021, all EU sales will no longer be charged VAT.  This will automatically reduce the base costs of an order by 20%. 
  • For the moment, postal charges will remain unchanged.  However, once your order arrives in your country, you will be liable to be charged VAT and a local tariff if applicable.   We cannot tell you what this will be, as each country within the EU sets its own rates and thresholds for payments, as well as classifications of goods, (as they are all sovereign states and the EU has no centralised control over them).    Experience tells us that the general rate of collection of these charges on mail order goods depends on the diligence (or lack therof) of local postal services, and that most charges are not picked up.  However, that is a generalisation not a promise!
  • The amount of paperwork at our end will go up considerably, and we will have to declare the cost of the goods on any paperwork and customs declarations.   This total will not include p&p costs.  Please don’t ask us to under-declare totals – these are legal documents and form part of our VAT records, and we are not going to break the law.   If you know that your country will impose a tarrif on ‘Models’, but not on ‘Toys’ (or vice versa), please let us know when you place the order.  We will work with you as best we can.
  • Some of you have outstanding orders with us waiting to be processed, and you will already have been charged VAT on these.  If they are sent out to you after January 1st, you will be refunded the VAT total.  I will be in contact with you in turn as we get to your order.  

 

This is all bound to be a period of change and uncertainty.  Please bear with us as we work through it, and, be assured that we will do our utmost to continue provide a high-quality service in these most interesting of times.