Turkish Plasterboards?

[BTC Builder]

A friend sent me a link to a Facebook post advertising plasterboards significantly cheaper than what you'd get at local merchants. We're talking £2.50 a board cheaper than the absolute best bulk price I've been offered 

 

Obviously, you know that at this price there's something a bit different at play but because I need around 400 I thought I'd give them a go and got a pallet to try them out.

 

They're Atiskan Alci, was wondering if anyone had used them before? They look and feel exactly the same as a normal board, if they said "British Gypsum" on them I wouldn't know any different.

[Mr Punter]

I wouldn't want Building Control to ask about them but if this is just standard boards, not for structure or fire resistance, it is a good saving.  I bet the likes of @nod get plasterboard cheap.

[BTC Builder]

No nothing like that, just standard 2400x1200x12.5 for dry lining. 

 

Building Control won't be saying anything because they look exactly the same as British Gypsum, knauf, and Siniat. I was more wondering how they skim up and if the thistle will still adhere properly.

 

I guess I'm of the mindset that it's too good to be true so what's wrong with them 

[Mr Punter]

Unless they have lined them with greaseproof paper I can't see why multi finish won't stick.

 

I doubt you can reclaim VAT on these.

[ADLIan]

Appears there is some dumping of commodity building products on the UK market by Turkish manufacturers - seen similar with insulation. Provided the product is manufactured to and complies with the British or European Standard and carries the correct CE label then it is deemed fit for use. Not sure what would happen if you needed sales or technical support from these companies. Pay your money and make your choice. Caveat emptor!

[BTC Builder]

1 hour ago, ADLIan said:

Appears there is some dumping of commodity building products on the UK market by Turkish manufacturers - seen similar with insulation. Provided the product is manufactured to and complies with the British or European Standard and carries the correct CE label then it is deemed fit for use. Not sure what would happen if you needed sales or technical support from these companies. Pay your money and make your choice. Caveat emptor!

Never heard of a CE label before, but on inspection there is a ce label on every board, but a search for this label online only returns the manufacturer website 

[Mr Punter]

Well, they seem to have the correct Declaration of Conformity, so fill your boots!

[nod]

I buy 1000s standard wallboards each year and pay slightly more than you can buy a single purchase at Wickes 

But half the Wickes price on specials Moisture soundblock etc 

 

What ever the make They all do the same thing I buy mainly BG because it usually specified on the bill of quantities 

 

I would check the delivery cost 

[SteamyTea]

How can you tell if plasterboard is manufactured in the UK.

Most German cars are not built in Germany these days.

[Temp]

6 hours ago, Mr Punter said:

I doubt you can reclaim VAT on these.

 

Should be OK if imported legitimately...

 

If a Turkish manufacturer sells you plasterboard inclusive of delivery to the UK then the place of sale for VAT is the UK. The supplier should charge you UK VAT and remit it to the UK Government. In that case you can reclaim it.

 

If they sell it to you in Turkey and you arrange to collect it and ship it to the UK you should pay UK VAT and any import tariffs/duty etc at the border. You should also get able to reclaim that VAT (but not tariffs/duty).

 

If you you were to buy plasterboard from a DIY shop in Turkey on holiday you would most likely pay the Turkish equivalent of VAT _and_ UK VAT and import tariffs/duty at the border. You could only reclaim the UK VAT.

 

The key is to ensure they have a UK VAT number and you get an invoice/receipt for any UK VAT paid. 

[BTC Builder]

Just to clear up any confusion, the boards where made in Turkey but I had no role in their shipment. I just rang the number I saw on Facebook and now 84 boards are in my (would be) kitchen.

 

I have been given a VAT recipt. I've checked the number and it matches the name of company and address.

 

Providing they cut and screw like normal, and I'll test skim a room, I'll get more. It's a massive saving.