Importing a new bike frame (or a used bike)

[NickGM]

Hi All,

I'm in the UK currently and am looking to bring a bike frame and wheels home. I'd imagine it should be straightforward: I claim back the VAT on leaving the UK, and then on arrival in RSA, I declare the import at customs and pay VAT there. There should be no duties as bike parts don't incur duties, and yes I am prepared to argue the point that a frame and wheels does not make it a bike. A couple of questions though:

1. Has anyone done something similar - any pitfalls to be aware of? I'm going to make sure the retailer will list the items as bike parts on the receipt.

2. I may alternatively pick up a bike second hand over here. From reading around a bit I'm under the impression that there would be no import duty on a used (fully assembled) bike from UK to RSA. But I would still have to pay VAT on it - does that sound correct?

Thanks

[Scott roy]

42 minutes ago, NickGM said:

Hi All,

I'm in the UK currently and am looking to bring a bike frame and wheels home. I'd imagine it should be straightforward: I claim back the VAT on leaving the UK, and then on arrival in RSA, I declare the import at customs and pay VAT there. There should be no duties as bike parts don't incur duties, and yes I am prepared to argue the point that a frame and wheels does not make it a bike. A couple of questions though:

1. Has anyone done something similar - any pitfalls to be aware of? I'm going to make sure the retailer will list the items as bike parts on the receipt.

2. I may alternatively pick up a bike second hand over here. From reading around a bit I'm under the impression that there would be no import duty on a used (fully assembled) bike from UK to RSA. But I would still have to pay VAT on it - does that sound correct?

Thanks

Just box it and bring it, the likelihood of anyone checking is extremely low. Just rub some dirt on it before if it is new so then you can just tell/show them it’s yours and is “used”

[guidodg]

don't do the VAT thing...just bring it in as sporting goods and you will pay nothing...the VAT refund story is a pain

[amr63]

Up until 1 January 2021, if you lived outside the EU and travelled to the UK for leisure or business, you were eligible for a VAT refund. The VAT-refund scheme was called the Retail Export Scheme or tax-free shopping, but the UK government have now ended this scheme.

more info here:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping

Edited September 9 by amr63

[madmarc]

I brought back a complete used bike i purchased online from Holland in a bike bag - Didnt decalre anything and walked through.

Dont volenteer to declare anything rather have a story to tell if they pull you over

I always select some asien travelers who alwasy have lots of bags and boxes and walk through behind them - Customs are always  more interested in those guys than little old me with my small suitcase and a bike bag  

[daveno7]

3 hours ago, NickGM said:

Hi All,

I'm in the UK currently and am looking to bring a bike frame and wheels home. I'd imagine it should be straightforward: I claim back the VAT on leaving the UK, and then on arrival in RSA, I declare the import at customs and pay VAT there. There should be no duties as bike parts don't incur duties, and yes I am prepared to argue the point that a frame and wheels does not make it a bike. A couple of questions though:

1. Has anyone done something similar - any pitfalls to be aware of? I'm going to make sure the retailer will list the items as bike parts on the receipt.

2. I may alternatively pick up a bike second hand over here. From reading around a bit I'm under the impression that there would be no import duty on a used (fully assembled) bike from UK to RSA. But I would still have to pay VAT on it - does that sound correct?

Thanks

just buy a bike bag...fill it up with your bike gear...just going on holiday etc etc...less hassle 

[MORNE]

1 hour ago, madmarc said:

I brought back a complete used bike i purchased online from Holland in a bike bag - Didnt decalre anything and walked through.

Dont volenteer to declare anything rather have a story to tell if they pull you over

I always select some asien travelers who alwasy have lots of bags and boxes and walk through behind them - Customs are always  more interested in those guys than little old me with my small suitcase and a bike bag  

Same….in dubai its the poor sub-continentals. Racial profiling is a thing for customs officials

[madmarc]

10 minutes ago, MORNE said:

Same….in dubai its the poor sub-continentals. Racial profiling is a thing for customs officials

Ye - seen it first hand with all my travels to Europe - God forbid you behind one at passport control or security check - you will end up missing your flight 

[NickGM]

Thanks for all the input. The one and only time I traveled with a bike I was asked upon arrival in CT to prove that the bike was mine and purchased in RSA. It was and I could, so that was no hassle but that wont be the case this time around

[Bike Dewing]

3 hours ago, NickGM said:

Thanks for all the input. The one and only time I traveled with a bike I was asked upon arrival in CT to prove that the bike was mine and purchased in RSA. It was and I could, so that was no hassle but that wont be the case this time around

You gonna save on tax right.. so what you could consider doing is.. take a cheap as chips bike and dump it or donate it and come back in the same bike bag, a new bike.. just show them your tickets that you left with a bike and are coming back with the same bike.. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I did that with golf clubs, I came back with three sets of irons in that bag and didn’t look at me twice walking through.. 

[ajnkzn]

Sorry OP most of the replies haven’t read that you are already in the UK. 
 

I brought a bike back recently and was stopped and the invoice checked for value against possible import duty in March - OR Tambo. 

[Jimmy 2.0]

I came back from Europe in March doing the same thing.

While I was there I saw a one of my dream vintage bikes for sale. I purchased it, bought a box from a bike shop, boxed it and flew back. the Airline didn't even charge me for the extra luggage as it was sporting equipment. came through CT international airport, Customs stopped me and asked to have a look inside the box, they opened up and saw a 2nd hand bike that I said is mine and they let me pass through. No VAT and no customs charges.

[michaelbiker]

I travel with two bikes about twice a year through Cape Town international. The bikes are in old bike bags. I have never been asked for invoices or proof that I bought them in SA. They do stop me sometimes to ask if I bought any gifts or new things but generally they just want to fill out their clipboard. One tip, go through after most of the passengers have been through - by that point they have done their quota and wait for the next flight. 

Most countries I have visited almost never have anyone at the green lane (Europe, US, Asia, Japan). Some ask to x-ray your bag (Thailand, Singapore - this is rare) but I never get asked anything about alcohol or cigarettes. Not that I try to break their laws in any case, I just find it surprising that it seems to only happen in SA where there are 20 customs officials asking questions and digging through belongings. 
 

I recently however got called back to baggage checkin to remove CO2 canisters from my bike bag - they are allowed in checked baggage according to IATA. That was a pain in the butt as I had to be escorted back through immigration. 

[NickGM]

On 9/11/2024 at 8:29 AM, ajnkzn said:

Sorry OP most of the replies haven’t read that you are already in the UK. 
 

Lol, I appreciate it man.