Tax / Duty on Items Bought In UK

pmb1963 wrote on Tue Aug 3, 2021 2:25pm:

Hi all

We are in the midst of buying our new build home and hopefully we will finally get the keys in December.

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Over the last year we have probably been a bit over zealous in buying stuff in the UK in readiness of the move - basic items like clothes,  bed linen and some lightweight flatpacks.

Everything will easily fit into a small van and one idea is to get the ferry over.  That said I have heard of firms who provide a basic freight service for small items such as suitcases.

Am I right in assuming that there are no Spanish import/ tax fees payable for taking these items to our new home. PS it is a 2nd home as we will remain UK residents.

Thanks in advance....

paulsav wrote on Thu Aug 5, 2021 12:38am:

As non residents you will be charged 21% and import duties on anything you bring to Spain, even if old belongings and they definitely charge on new items. Only exemption is as a resident you have 3 months to transfer your personal belongings after gaining residency. Try to make your new items loo...

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...k old and used, not in original packing or boxes or scruffy the items and boxes. You are allowed an allowance of €430 per person before iva is calculated. You need to create an inventory (list of items) in english and Spanish and value of each as per 2nd hand. Goods have to have been in your possession at least 6months. Its a nightmare as there's no real info on subject just snippets from differrent websites. I have given you info from Spanish govt website. 

We are in same boat, taken our van(bought for this purpose only) twice before Brexit but covid hit us last year with ferry cancellations and we didn't realise about the customs charges until after January. We are going by car in 3wks time(well loaded) and maybe next year do one van load after prioritising what we must take rather than the large amount we would like to take. If you travel by road(via France) allowance is only €300.

Good luck. 

Ps. I have a Britanny ferries code you can use to get 10% off your fares if you want it as we are members. 

Regards 

Pauline 

pmb1963 wrote on Thu Aug 5, 2021 8:33am:

Thanks Pauline for replying - seems crazy as people try to work out life after brexit!

paulsav wrote on Thu Aug 5, 2021 10:06am:

Tell me about it. I have spent 5 full days trying to get an affordable travel insurance. Last year £165 annual policy upto 90 day visits. This year best price was £547 for 1 trip of 90 days ranging upto £2680.i,ve been tearing my hair out until yesterday and finally found a Co. who would allow...

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... annual upto 90 days for over 70,s with medical conditions. £482 which is way dearer than last year but as it will cover both our next 2x90 day trips, I, m relieved. 

I am going to list our stuff value wise to just under €400 and see if we get customs free, and next year look at doing same with van but maybe upto €850. Having a 2nd home in Spain buys you no perks at all. 

Regards 

Pauline