UK Crack Import Duties?

[mcandmar]

Here is my Monday morning rant re Irish customs!

I have this DAC i bought a while back second hand, browsing the manufacturers forum i found there was an improved version mid production run however they will upgrade older units free of charge if you return the DAC and pay the shipping charges.

So i spent €43 for the registered shipping back to California, the manufacturer repaired the item free of charge, i then paid the $53.50 registered shipping back to Ireland with an insured value of $200, everything going to plan.

In steps Irish customs who see my package was clearly marked as “Returned goods” with the comment “Being returned from repairs” with an SDR value of $0 and an Insured value of $200, and a postage value of $53.50 clearly marked on the USPS Customs Declaration form.  That would be a customs value of €181 @ 23% vat + €6 handling fee = €47.82 if you ever want to see your package again Sir.    ....you have got to be shitting me!

[JamieMcC]

Ouch that must be infuriating to say the least and very much rant worthy.

[Paul Birkeland]

That would be a customs value of €181 @ 23% vat + €6 handling fee = €47.82 if you ever want to see your package again Sir.    ....you have got to be shitting me!

I always recommend getting a clear, official looking copy of the invoice from the vendor in this case, then bring it with you when you pick the package up.  If there's any question about the customs declaration, you at least have some proof in your favor.  (Especially if you also bring the original invoice as well from when you bought it)

[pduk]

Just by way of update, I have got an invoice from ParcelForce for £26.96 which consists of £18.96 Import VAT plus £8 handling fee. This was for the Crack + Speedball in the recent discount period. Not too bad, I think. Hopefully it'll all come tomorrow and I can get cracking! (pun intended).

Paul.

[mcandmar]

That seems reasonable enough all things considered.   I managed to appeal the above after countless bits of paperwork and letters, i just have to wait 4 weeks for them to issue the refund cheque now.   Of course that means i have to take time off work to lodge it as the bank only opens from 10am to 4pm mon-fri and closes for lunch, therefore avoiding everybody who works 9-5 in the real world. /scowl face

[mcandmar]

So i received my pair of HE-500 headphones in the post today, instead of $500 the seller kindly put $75 on the shipping docket = €23 duty.

/mcandmar extends middle finger to the man

[mvr_in_london]

The risk with putting a lower value on the customs declaration is that in case of loss/damage, insurance will only cover upto the customs value.  First hand experience!

[Paul Birkeland]

I've also heard stories of the post office in Germany opening boxes, looking through paperwork, and going online to research prices.  If they don't like what went on your declaration, they make you pay dearly!

[Doc B.]

The risk with putting a lower value on the customs declaration is that in case of loss/damage, insurance will only cover upto the customs value.  First hand experience!

Yes, we have been advising our customers of this for years. It's Catch-22 if there is a risk of shipping damage or loss.

[mcandmar]

I guess that is always a risk.  I have never had a registered package get lost or damaged but i guess there is always a first time...

[mcandmar]

Time for another Monday morning customs rant!

I discovered another "glitch" in the import customs system to day.   I bought an item from Canada for $60, seller insisted in using the eBay global sellers program so it cost me another $64 for the shipping and duty fees.  I was not amused but lived with it anyway as the item was worth $120 to me, despite paying more for the shipping than the item was worth.

Problem was the seller listed the $60 item value, but failed to list the $64 shipping costs on the customs deceleration.  In steps Irish customs, ho ho ho whats this, no shipping cost deceleration?  The Irish solution for this?, they lookup the cost of sending the package back to the sender and use that figure to calculate the duty.  ...ok, guess it kind of makes sense.

UPS cost to ship the item to Canada?, that would be €136.  So that's €136, + the $60 item value, + €15 admin fee, + €3 vat on top = €59.99.  Yes thats right, €60 duty for an item that cost me €100 inc shipping and duty in the first place. Its only Monday and i'm already in a foul mood

[JamieMcC]

Hi Mark, that stinks have you contacted the seller? I would think if the item was sent via the Global sellers program then you should be in a strong position to receive a refund from ebay. I would try and see where it gets you. 





 

[Paul Birkeland]

A seller who uses the global shipping program has absolutely no idea what you paid for shipping, so this is actually an eBay issue.

Based on my experiences for that program, I no longer offer it on my auctions.  eBay literally bothers me weekly about adding it back to my auctions.

-PB

[Doc B.]

Ebay is taking up more and more bandwidth. I get spammed several times a day with "You looked at this item six months ago. Here is another one you might be interested in." I never am.

[mcandmar]

Good point Paul, if i understand correctly the seller only ships to an eBay drop point, and they in turn ship it internationally.  I will get onto eBay and see where i get.

As for spam, the worst i find is Amazon, i never really use the site except to check the price of something every now and again, then for the next three months they spam me with the same search results.  It wouldn't be so bad if they would actually ship the items to Ireland..