Buy now!

[martin goddard]

I have just put a note on the PP website about European customers.

Without bringing politics on to the site, I think it is probable(??) that there will be some new tariffs on PP stuff sent to Europe.

The message is this:-
If you are in Europe and need a few bits for your PP project, why not order them now . Then you can sit on them a month or two before getting them painted etc.

There may well be exemptions for small value packets?
There might also be punitive rates imposed to punish the Uk?

I know not, but am always cautious.



martin

PS Lots more orders might just make me a millionaire by this time next year?

[Colonel Kilgore]

I predict that there will be a whole "grey market" (in more ways than one...) in PP products to Europe post-Brexit:

- Les will be importing kilos of goodies from the UK on his trips back to Blighty, and hoping to avoid the embarrassment of emptying his pockets stuffed full of toy soldiers at Customs...

- autonomous drone boats will be running the naval blockade from Weymouth across the Channel with supplies for the needy...

- Chris's trained eye will be on the lookout for wrongdoers passing through South Coast airports

Get them while you can, folks, at pre-Brexit prices!

Simon

[John Watson]

I think that any PP wargamer who holidays in France (such as me) will have to travel via "Chez Les" with little brown packages to leave under the third stone on the right on the driveway of Chateau Les for collection later by the wargaming Maquis.
I have just placed my last European order before Brexit with CGM for some Napoleonic Portuguese before they get slapped with some astronomical tariff.
I am assuming in future that I will be able to buy Euro figures without paying VAT in the country of purchase, but will have to pay import duty instead. From past experience of buying items from the USA this is a pain as the import cost is currently the standard VAT rate (which I can live with) but the Post Office impose a handling charge of £8 an item regardless of value. So small packages become expensive. Larger value packages currently attract VAT and customs duty as well as the handling charge so you get shafted either way. I wonder if some of the foreign manufacturers, like CGM and QR miniatures, will be looking for UK outlets.
John

[Leman (Andy)]

Oh well, here comes another order. Some stuff got lost in my move. Fortunately I've now got all my dosh out of the VK (Verenigd Koninkrijk), so now in a position to get my lost stuff.

[Colonel Kilgore]

That sounds so much more sophisticated than "UK"

Simon

[mellis1644]

For once living in Canada helps in the toy solider hobby as we have our trade agreement done.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-uk-transitional-trade-agreement-1.5811269

[Moggy]

What about the raw materials though. Is anything there imported?

Hope it doesn't end up being yet another excuse some traders use for putting prices up again.

derek

[SimonC]

Most of the raw materials for making toy soldiers come from overseas (metal / rubber etc). HMRC are tightening up on all import/exports - not just Europe. My prediction would be incremental tariffs on all goods - which of course will be passed on to the consumer.

Simon

[Panzer21]

It looks like the previous rules on monetary limits on packages from outside the UK (which will include the EU) is to be scrapped. Previously, anything less than £18 in value (or from the EU) arrived without any extra charges. Likewise "gifts" up to  a certain value.
EU goods to a private individual would have had VAT added in that country; to a VAT registered retailer without (they charged themselves UK VAT while simultaneously claiming it back).
Some lucky people got larger value packages through without having to pay any extra, but most of my purchases got hit for UK VAT + Royal Mail "handling fee" for administering the VAT. If you were really lucky, they opened your parcel to inspect and charged an extra £2 for sticking it back together (badly!).
Now anything with a value of less than £135 will have VAT charged (with a handling fee without doubt), over £135 may also attract import duty in addition.
I suspect the only way to buy non-UK toys will be via an importer or agent in the UK or to be prepared to pay more.

[SimonC]

monetary limits on packages from outside the UK (which will include the EU)

that is correct.

Also HMRC want everyone to register for an EORI , which means anyone - not just businesses - will have the potential for taxes on imported and exported goods. So if you eBay something, and need ship overseas, then you will need to declare its value and will be liable for tax.

You can get a export exemption for personal items (using the GBPR code) - but - in my experience, this is not covering anything that was 'sold'!

I've spent too much time on the phone recently to couriers and HMRC about shipping painted minis :-(

[SimonC]

In addition I've noticed that other non-europeans countries are now holding up UK shipments far more than they used to. Where typically its been a breeze to ship I've had to now prove value as well as purchase receipts ... so much so I wouldn't do it again 

[agamemnon]

Looks like I'm going to have to order PP stuff and have it sent to my son in Southampton.  Though God knows when I'm going to be able to get over.....  the tragedy is for all the gamers living this side of the Channel who do not have the chance to get stuff delivered within the UK (VK...but for how much longer?) to pick up later.  I have heard that many smaller gaming companies rely on their European trade and risk all wef 1/1/21.
Words fail me....

[Spartacus]

@ SimonC--Seems right, As I have been waiting for 3 orders from UK for 2 weeks now.

Terry

[Leslie BT]

Terry you need to order from PP the orders arrive in 6-7 days with out fail!
Had some figures from North Star last week took 5 days.
Had things from Warbases in Scotland in 7 days.
Had models from CharlieFoxtrot in Cornwall in 7 days.


So at present its the traders and their arrangements with the Courier / Postal services that make the difference.

Who knows what the New Year will bring all you gloom mongers.  We did not know about Covid this time last year.

[pbeccas (Paul)]

In addition I've noticed that other non-europeans countries are now holding up UK shipments far more than they used to. Where typically its been a breeze to ship I've had to now prove value as well as purchase receipts ... so much so I wouldn't do it again 

I can confirm that.  All packages from the UK get put into 14 day quarantine and they are fumigated.  You get funky smelling packages now.