First Full Carbon Build – Import Fee Experiences to the UK?

[raz4pf]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum but not new to cycling. I started out racing BMX when I was younger, then moved onto track cycling, and over the past couple of years I've really gotten into watching and following road cycling more closely.

Now I’m looking to take the next step and build my first full carbon road bike—on a really tight budget (ideally around £1000 max)

I’ve been looking at options from companies like Velobuild, particularly the VB-R-268, which looks like my most likely choice. But I want to make sure I’m budgeting correctly if I’m going to stay under that limit.

Since I’m based in the UK, I’d really appreciate any advice or recent experiences with import duties, VAT, courier charges, or any unexpected costs when ordering direct from China. I’d also be curious to hear if anyone has experience using platforms like Taobao instead of AliExpress.

Looking forward to learning more and starting this build with some guidance from people who’ve already been down this road.

Thanks in advance!

[Pistonbroke]

I was under the impression that if you buy on Ali and use the sellers preferred courier option then the import duty etc is factored in.
May be wrong though...

[Sander2177]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum but not new to cycling. I started out racing BMX when I was younger, then moved onto track cycling, and over the past couple of years I've really gotten into watching and following road cycling more closely.

Now I’m looking to take the next step and build my first full carbon road bike—on a really tight budget (ideally around £1000 max)

I’ve been looking at options from companies like Velobuild, particularly the VB-R-268, which looks like my most likely choice. But I want to make sure I’m budgeting correctly if I’m going to stay under that limit.

Since I’m based in the UK, I’d really appreciate any advice or recent experiences with import duties, VAT, courier charges, or any unexpected costs when ordering direct from China. I’d also be curious to hear if anyone has experience using platforms like Taobao instead of AliExpress.

Looking forward to learning more and starting this build with some guidance from people who’ve already been down this road.

Thanks in advance!

If you’re in the UK:

When a seller says “taxes and fees are included,” you’re generally safe — it usually means they’re covering any import duties and VAT, or they’re shipping in a way that avoids extra charges on your end.

However, it’s always worth asking directly. Don’t assume — confirm. If duties and VAT aren’t included, you could be hit with unexpected charges when your item arrives.

Whether you actually get charged import duties and VAT can sometimes feel like a bit of a lottery, especially on personal shipments or if the declared value is low. Some packages slip through without charges, others don’t.

If you’re dealing with a seller abroad (especially in China), you can ask them to declare a lower value on the customs form. This reduces the chances — or the size — of the charges, but it does carry some risk (e.g. undervaluing for insurance).

Key rates:
   •   Import duty on carbon bike frames and wheels: 4.7%
   •   VAT: 20%, calculated on the value of the goods + shipping + duty

So duty is charged first, and then VAT is calculated on top of that total.

[Matter]

You can ask the seller on AliExpress whether they have tax-inclusive logistics. Normal sellers of carbon fiber wheels will provide it.