I potentially have a buyer for a bass that I have for sale on Facebook (not a BC advert or buyer). The guy is French but has residency in Hong Kong; I've pretty much ascertained he'd have to have been setting up the most elaborate scam for years if he was trying to con me, as he has pictures and history on FB going back years of France/Hong Kong and him being a bassist; so I'm not too worried about that. Added to which he is paying me via BACS before the bass is shipped and he is booking the courier with insurance etc and covering all costs.
My 'problem' is that he would prefer the bass be sent to his HK address as he says there are no tax implications (£1800 bass), whereas France would hit him with 20-25% and he'd still have to pay to fly the bass with him from France to HK when he travels back there. I just can't find the answer to the taxation of 'private' goods sent to HK! Loads on HMRC re businesses but nada on private. If I understand it correctly, taxation etc should all be handled and declared during the booking of the courier. What I fear is that though he appears to be absolutely straight, I might get hit with the tax bill when it is delivered. I really would rather not book the courier as I'd be responsible in the result of damage, loss etc and even then, would/could I get hit for tax after it is delivered in HK
Does anyone have any first hand experience in matters of this nature, I'd appreciate any insight.