Smartphones and associated technology such as the Apple Watch enjoy duty free import status in the UK.
But officials ruled the Apple Watch Sport’s £49 wrist band is an “accessory” on which a 6.5 per cent duty must be paid – a decision which could cost the US tech giant millions.
Last year 12 million of its smartwatches were reportedly sold worldwide, although official figures have not been released.
Duty rates applied to goods imported into the United Kingdom range between 0% and 17% with tech products such as laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras and video game consoles, generally being duty free.
Apple say their smartwatches, which are reportedly manufactured in Taiwan, fall into this category and should be free of import tax.
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