Voice Synthesizers - how to obtain them from the USA - January 2001

There are currently no companies in the UK manufacturing voice synthesizers for use with blood glucose meters, for people with visual impairment. However, Diabetes UK are working with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) and relevant companies around the issue of these and other products for the visually impaired.

Companies who distribute voice synthesizer systems in the USA are:
LS & S Catalog
P O Box 673
Northbrook
IL 60065
USA
Information & Customer Service: 001 847 498 9777
Fax: 001 847 498 1482
email: lssgrp@aol.com

Voice Touch and Voice Touch Pro voice synthesizers for use with One Touch Profile and One Touch II. Cost is $225 USD per unit plus $30 USD for shipping to the UK.
On delivery a charge for VAT is payable.

To qualify for VAT relief the goods must be designed solely for use by disabled people and imported by:
• The disabled person for their domestic or personal use; or
• Charities, for making available to disabled people for their domestic or personal use.

To claim relief on goods imported by post it is important that you ask the sender to mark clearly on the package and its accompanying customs declaration (CN22 or CN23):
“GOODS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE: RELIEF CLAIMED”Customs and Excise may send the importer a simplified form to complete and return. Prior to importation, one should obtain an National Import Relief Unit (NIRU) approval certificate and VAT Notice 701/7 by contacting:

National Import Relief Unit
HM Customs and Excise
Custom House
Killyhelvin Industrial Estate
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
Northern Ireland BT74 4EJ
Tel: 01365 322298
Fax: 01365 324018

Alternatively, if the package is not clearly marked, the Post Office will only deliver it when the importer has paid the duty and VAT, which could be in excess of £60. One should pay these charges and then write to HM Customs and Excise at the Postal Depot where the charges were raised (this address should be on the label on the parcel). Enclose the original NIRU certificate, the VAT declaration from VAT Notice 701/7 and the Post Office charge label. If they are satisfied, the duty and the VAT will be refunded.

For further information, please contact Sinead Dunne on 020 7462 2660

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