When ordering from BMS how likely is it to be stung for duty?
I always get a shock when ordering anything from the USA, (must be our special relationship) but I'm quite tempted by the BMS Lipo's
If you use a courier like FedEx it's almost a certain you will get charged VAT. If you use EMS there's a chance you might not (on smaller packages) but not usually on heavier ones..
A couple of tips:
1) Ask the seller to put "replacement part - no commercial value" on the Customs declaration if they're willing...worth a try. Under declaring the value of goods rarely works on expensive items, because Customs will determine the value of things themselves.
2) If you use a courier like FedEx they will most likely add on a £15 "deferral fee" for paying the VAT for you and clearing it through customs. It's quite a racket and a way of making money, because it doesn't cost them anything like that and it's largely automated... In my experience, you can ignore that fee, and they won't pursue you for it (after sending a few auto-generated reminders and threats they just drop it) because legally speaking they have no leg to stand on, even if it were practical to try to legally claim such a small amount. You didn't contract them to provide that service or request it, so you're not obliged to pay it. I just pay the VAT and leave off that fee, and no courier has ever taken any action against me.
I've also had it confirmed directly from HMRC that anyone can pay the VAT and any Duty DIRECTLY to HMRC without needing to use a courier's deferral account. You can request that with your seller, have it put on the packet not to defer the VAT, and you'll get an invoice (generated using the HMRC system) from the courier for just the VAT, which you can pay before they deliver the goods.