• From Gov.uk website:
    Notice 143: a guide for international post users
    (Updated 13 January 2021)
    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users

    Under international postal agreements, the sender must complete a
    customs declaration (form CN22 or CN23), which will be fixed to the
    package in most cases. The declaration includes a description of the
    goods, their value and if they’re gifts or commercial items.

    Most goods arriving in the UK are liable to any or all of the
    following taxes:

    • Customs Duty
    • Excise Duty
    • Import VAT
      These taxes must still be paid if:
    • you purchase the goods or receive them as a gift
    • the goods are new or used (including antiques)
    • the goods are for your private use or for re-sale

    commercial consignments (goods you’ve purchased) of £135 or less are
    free from Customs Duty and not subject to Import VAT - this does not
    include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters as these
    items are excluded from the relief of Customs Duty and VAT at import
    is payable

    So for private sales under £135, no Customs Duty and no Import VAT.

    Which leaves Excise Duty...

    Excise duty is applied to try and discourage the use of potentially
    harmful products such as tobacco and alcohol. Products that cause
    pollution are also singled out for excise duty.
    (https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/duty-vs-tariff-what-s-the-difference/)

    From Gov.uk website:
    UK Trade Tariff: excise duties, reliefs, drawbacks and allowances
    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-trade-tariff-excise-duties-reliefs-drawbacks-and-allowances/uk-trade-tariff-excise-duties-reliefs-drawbacks-and-allowances

    This part concentrates on goods liable to Excise Duty. It lists the
    rates of Excise Duty chargeable for the following:

    • wine and made-wine
    • beer
    • cider and perry
    • spirits
    • low alcohol beverages
    • imported composite goods containing alcohol
    • tobacco products
    • hydrocarbon oil – this section includes details about rebates for such products
    • Climate Change Levy
    • biofuels

    It appears that bike frames and bike parts in general are therefore not subject to Excise Duty.

    So (in theory) whether I put 'Gift' or 'Other', neither should incur any extra charges on a 20 yr old, under-£100 mtb frame.

  • The website contradicts itself, it suggests if you are sending a gift over £39 then its charged import duty:

    'Goods sent as a gift that are over £39 in value are liable to Import VAT.'

    but also states:

    Goods value: £0.01 to £135
    Customs charges applicable: No Customs Duty No Import VAT

    So I'm still none the wiser!

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