I think that it's worth phoning your local customs office and ask what the tariff is.

I'd suggest that buying now from the US is favourable. Firstly the exchange rate is great for you, and secondly, December is a buyer's market as everyone is spending their money elsewhere on the holiday season.

I don't keep track of Euros but given that they track the UK Pound better than the US Dollar...

6 months ago you'd be looking at $450 being a reasonable low cost for an empeg. Not a steal, but certainly a respectable deal. At the time that would have been about UKP310. At the moment that $450 would only cost UKP235. That's a difference of 25%...