UK-based people ordering CPAP machines from the USA

I just ordered a CPAP machine from the USA recently, and thought I would share my experience.

I wanted to order a Philips Dreamstation APAP from Amazon.com

I registered (for free) with US Go Buy (package forwarding company) and they allocated me with a unique USA postal address, which I used on Amazon as the delivery address.

Parcel arrived to their facility within 3-4 working days, and it took them 2-3 working days to ship the parcel to the UK. Shipping cost was actually slightly cheaper than originally quoted, and I paid extra for pictures to be taken. They didn't charge any other fees.

Parcel arrived to the UK about a week later, but stayed with custom for 3-4 working days. Parcelforce sent a bill for import duty and VAT, before releasing and delivering the parcel. Parcel label clearly indicated that it was a CPAP machine, 0% VAT, but it was ignored. I paid those costs online.

I completed the relevant form with HMRC to get the duty and VAT refunded, and they did very quickly (within a couple of weeks). Parcelforce processing fee was also refunded, without me asking for it.

Conclusion: machine took about 3 weeks to arrive, but final cost was around £350, which is very cheap compared to UK prices for a similar APAP machine with humidifier and heated hose (probably half price to equivalent model).

Thank you for sharing your experience.
We are told that patience is the best policy.
Glad it worked for you.