Buying used machinery from the EU

[trigger_andy]

Im considering buying a used Sawmill thats on a trailer package from Europe. As I understand it I'd be liable for 20% vat on the purchase price and have to show its origin of manufacture. 

 

How easy/difficult is it navigating to and on/off of the LeShuttle with a 7m plus trailer?

 

How likely am I to be "caught" by customs with a used machine and told to cough up?

 

Any advice?

[Mick Dempsey]

I imported a chipper from the UK and was ‘caught’ by French customs in Dieppe.

Luckily I’d done all the paperwork, much to their disappointment.

[topchippyles]

20 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

I imported a chipper from the UK and was ‘caught’ by French customs in Dieppe.

Luckily I’d done all the paperwork, much to their disappointment.

Good for you Micky and funk the frogs 🤣 Some nut job pinched a load of snails over there i seen in the news. 

Edited 1 hour ago by topchippyles

[Mick Dempsey]

Well, whether the English customs are as hot I can’t say.

You can get a professional importer to oversee the process for a relatively modest fee.

Biggest thing will be the certificate phytosanitaire to prove it’s not carrying diseases etc.

[topchippyles]

13 minutes ago, Mick Dempsey said:

phytosanitaire 

Crickey that is a big word for a tuesday 🤣

[Bob_z_l]

1 hour ago, trigger_andy said:

 

 

How easy/difficult is it navigating to and on/off of the LeShuttle with a 7m plus trailer?

 

 

 

Having just come back from Germany and using it for the first time. I'd say impossible using the domestic shuttle. 
You'll be out on domestic and return with the big lads on the HGV open wagons. 

From what I saw anyway. 

Good luck. Blaze the trail and let us know how it goes.    Or use the Slow Boat?

[Mark Bolam]

I use the tunnel a fair bit Andy.

The max COMBINED length you’re allowed is 18m.

7m seems to be the max trailer length you’re allowed with a sub 3.5t towing vehicle.

[trigger_andy]

1 hour ago, Mick Dempsey said:

Well, whether the English customs are as hot I can’t say.

You can get a professional importer to oversee the process for a relatively modest fee.

Biggest thing will be the certificate phytosanitaire to prove it’s not carrying diseases etc.

Hmmmm, seems more complicated that just rocking up and pretending it was mine all along. 😂

[trigger_andy]

10 minutes ago, Mark Bolam said:

I use the tunnel a fair bit Andy.

The max COMBINED length you’re allowed is 18m.

7m seems to be the max trailer length you’re allowed with a sub 3.5t towing vehicle.

I’m sure the mill will be under 7m. It’s a 4.8m cut and then room for the mill to park plus the hitch itself. If have to get it measured of course. 

[topchippyles]

11 minutes ago, trigger_andy said:

I’m sure the mill will be under 7m. It’s a 4.8m cut and then room for the mill to park plus the hitch itself. If have to get it measured of course. 

Hi Trig family all good i hope 🤞