Customs charges on a gift

[MolyHolyGuacamole]

Ok so I've had a quick scan for related posts but all the ones I found related to items purchased from a company.

My cousin in the US wants to send me a used handbag that she no longer wants. The issue is that it's designer, she paid about $1000 for it.

I'm worried about customs charges, I've had a look on the gov website and states that the cost is 2.5% of the value of a gift between £39 and £630, but how can the value of a used item be determined? It's not like she buying it brand new and sending it to me?

Should I just tell her not to bother? Has anyone had a situation like this?

Anyone?

@MolyHolyGuacamole

Ok so I've had a quick scan for related posts but all the ones I found related to items purchased from a company.

My cousin in the US wants to send me a used handbag that she no longer wants. The issue is that it's designer, she paid about $1000 for it.

I'm worried about customs charges, I've had a look on the gov website and states that the cost is 2.5% of the value of a gift between £39 and £630, but how can the value of a used item be determined? It's not like she buying it brand new and sending it to me?

Should I just tell her not to bother? Has anyone had a situation like this?

If she sold it then it would initially be valued on the invoice, but customs can revalue items. She should show a value on the export customs declaration, and it ought to be valued on that - again they can revalue.

If she looks online for potential values on eBay etc then that would be a guide price

When she sends it if she adds a letter/note then that supports the situation that she’s giving you an old but designer handbag which will minimize the odds of being charged on import.

On import you could get import VAT and customs charges, plus if they are charged then the courier handling the admin on arrival will charge a fee.
I would guess that VAT is less likely, but it’s possible and you would not normally pay duty unless you’re paying VAT

No absolute answer there.

I’d aim for a little letter/note with something general between you such as “I know you liked my bag, and I’ve had it for a while so am giving it to you, hope you enjoy it as I did”

The on the declaration - personal gift, used handbag, $x
(And of course not the original new price)

Thanks both for the advice. I did tell her to maybe send a birthday card with it as it was my birthday last month, but tbh I think I might tell her not to bother as I haven't got any cash spare and don't fancy paying upwards of £50 on it

If you insure it, they will go on the value that you declare for that.

The sender declares the value when they ship it. Be careful because if they tick the wrong box, you’ll be charged. And it’s closer to about 40% with all taxes and fees. My mum regularly sends me utter shite but in a big box is valued about £100, and I’m often paying £40-50 duty (she is also in the US). I can’t bear to send it back as she ends up spending about $60 to ship it. You can avoid it, but you’ve got to have the sender fill out the customs declaration very carefully.

If you're only prepared to pay £50 for it then that's its value really. Declare it as a £50 item and pay whatever's due on that. Only issue would be if your cousin wants to insure it for more.