Does anyone know if you have to pay import duty and VAT when you buy a 2nd hand lens/camera abroad and bring it in the UK? Either when bringing them in person or via post (ebay/adorama/etc)?

Sometimes I find a few 2nd hand things in the US which are interesting!

Check your customs website. I know that the Canadian Excise and Duties dept has a website that tells me what is and isn't exempt from customs. As it turns out, photographic lenses + flash units and SLR bodies are exempt from duty! But still gotta pay tax on it. But then again, I know that the UK is crazy nuts about Excise/VAT, so maybe do a search on your UK customs website?

I know not that useful...

Hmmm..Inland Revenue says 2nd hand or not I get charged the same...

yep, unless they declare it's value less than 100 bucks. from the states that is, eu order away.

It does not matter to the inland revenue if it's new or not. There is duty on some things and VAT on everything to do with photography.

If it get shipped to the UK then you will pay VAT + handling fee on top (around £10). goods under the value of £36 are exempt. You can get the person shipping the item to declare the cost as under this but if anything goes wrong then you are only insured for the declared value!

If you are taking the goods back in person then you must declare them and pay the VAT at that point. Whether or not you choose to declare them or not is up to you but if ytou get caught then there are quite hefty fines possible.

Basically I would recommend buying in the UK unless you are going on holiday somewhere and then come back with the goods in person...