On 20 January 2014 13:40, Emma Frost <[email protected]> wrote: > So we're sort of at an impasse now and don't know how to help get the > equipment released and I guess I was hoping there might be someone on here > who has experienced anything similar to this and could offer some advice? > > To conclude the equipment is donated, for non commercial use and is being > donated to not-for-profit organisations. There should be a solution! > > Oh and we have until Friday. So any help much appreciated! >
As others have said, the fact that it's non-profit/donated is irrelevant. HMRC will want what's due based on the declaration on the carnet. One way around this would have been to declare the goods are only for temporary use in the UK, and you bring them in under Temporary Admission - this is commonly used for loan/demo kit, gear that's on tour, stands, sets, etc., for trade fairs, etc. You are allowed to use the gear for a maximum of 24 months under TA, after which point the kit has to be removed or the duty paid (based on the carnet value at the point of import - as far I can tell), unless an extension for further relief can be granted. As far as I can tell, I think you would have had to apply for TA *before* shipping the gear to the UK. There is a possibility that HMRC might be willing to grant retrospective TA, though given how far you've got so far and who you're dealing with they may be unsympathetic. Thanks, Mike
