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This was never intended to be a debate about what is or is not 'notifiable' work within BR. You can determine that for yourself by reference to the published BR online. But, if it is notifiable, BC should be involved and the appropriate certificates provided. You and I both know that - and also that we can (and do) of course carry out certain work by way of alteration/extension that will never be detected even if strictly notifiable. (Why do you think I have a good stock of cable in 'old' colours etc?) The problem, if any, is likely to come when a new/replacement notifiable appliance - such as boiler, gas hob, consumer unit - is installed but never notified and questions are asked on a later sale of the property, e.g. where is cert showing installation date and serial number of boiler? If you decide to have a new consumer unit fitted, you are no doubt aware of Amendment 3 to 17th Edition Regs. This requires a metal-clad CU from 1 Jan 2016. As I understand it, work which commences before that date and includes a new CU will be compliant even if completed after that date. As lots of existing (perfectly safe) CUs are now being moved at a discount, it is a good time to buy one if the rewire etc is started shortly, regardless of CU fitting date. I totally agree that BR, not being (mercifully) retrospective are demonstrably flouted on many existing properties/installations - and without any real problems. When Part P came in 2005, it rendered 'unlawful' at a stroke all sorts of basic DIY electrical work - but that did not make such work (new or existing) suddenly dangerous in fact, only (if new) in law. The new CU regs are another example; existing types do not suddenly become dangerous when the regs change. (It is much the same argument when a driver parks to cause an alleged 'obstruction' - even a blatantly physical obstruction may be lawfully caused if one has the right excuse/permission (or pays the right money); conversely, many vehicles that are clearly causing no physical obstruction are deemed obstructions in law.)

Without going into too much detail .... Since this is a public forum .... I was for a time, involved with a chap who said (though I have no hard evidence) that he was able to import goods without attracting 'attention' from anyone save himself on delivery. Since I was aware of his enterprise, I can say (subject to his telling the truth, which to be honest he seldom did) his orders were of the value of circa £1000 a month. Not a lot by way of sales in a large company, but quite a reasonable amount of business for a one-man band, and a single purchaser. Referring back to ITAR, there came a time when not speaking the absolute truth became an issue which, and American retailer (not the same one) informed me that to NOT tell the truth, could land you with a 7 year jail sentence. Mindful margins in the US are significantly smaller than in the UK (say 30% vs 10%), there wasn't a great incentive to lie, unless an order with a value of 6 figures was made, and in those circumstances a completely different set of people would be involved. (Federal Departments looking at money laundering, for example.) The Chinese on the other hand, are interested in getting foreign currency landed on China, so it can be spent buying up the world. (Which is exactly what they are doing.) The Chinese don't give a monkey's about UK taxes, (or indeed UK copyrights ....) Since I can't find my sintered diamond drills, I will be replacing them from China from where I will be shipped at least two items, for probably less than the postage. How is this possible? Ask the British Steel industry... You obviously haven't spent enough time, learning to mimic the girls on the Victoria's Secret catwalk.... The secret (if you'll excuse the lazy pun) is to walk with one foot overstepping the other. To explain another way; Imagine your line of direction with two parallel lines perhaps 3 inches apart. The line on the right is for your left foot, the line on the left for your right foot. As you walk, left over-steps right, then right over-steps left. Bow-leggedness is hidden. I've not mastered it myself, and I expect too look like I need two new hips if ever I do, but it works for very highly paid models.

The point about having the same declared value for duty/tax and for insurance etc is a good one. I did not mention it before because I was assuming low value shipments which, if insurable (or eligible for compensation for loss/damage) at all, would probably be within minimum limits anyway. But items of, say, £150 plus would be worth thinking about. There was a major legal case some years ago when the importer was estopped from claiming full compensation when he had insured for the full value but had grossly under-declared the value for duty. Whether or not (US) suppliers are really at serious risk when wrongly declaring shipments as 'gifts' is not something I can comment further on. I'm sure that the primary reason that they profess not to do this is simply to present an honest front to the authorities; in Mandy Rice-Davies';s immor(t)al words: 'Well, they would, wouldn't they?'. In the same vein, I note that many Chinese suppliers say clearly that they will send as 'gifts'. I know what you mean regarding one's walk in 5" heels - although with my bigger feet I should manage it better than you. Bow legs seem to be my problem (with consequential wear/displacement of the heel to one side).