Online Purchases From Abroad

The general advice on buying online should always be followed when buying from abroad. But there are additional issues.

• If problems arise, you might have to take legal action in the country of the seller.
• Check that any guarantee is valid in the UK, and whether you will have to return the product to the supplier's country if there is a problem.
• Standards vary between countries. Ask the supplier to confirm compatibility of, for example, electrical goods.
• Check for hidden costs such as VAT, customs duties, delivery charges, postage, and packaging. The HM Revenues & Customs web site gives information on when VAT and duty has to be paid. However, if your supplier is based in the EU, prices should include taxes.