Import Duty/VAT

fly.on.the.wall

Hi Guys,

My Bro send me a new PSP from the states for my birthday – he sent it via DHL, he put on then item that it was a gift and it’s value was only $50-. I’ve since got an invoice from DHL stating that I own them money for Import Duty/VAT. I looked through it, and there is no documentation from the relevant body that looks after customs stating that I owe them money. It is just stuff from DHL. Should I pay it?? Should I look for proof that Customs want the money?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

indiewindy

DHL would have declared the goods to Customs on importation and paid the duty and VAT at the point of entry.

Lump

They probably pay the import duty for you, then claim it back. So yes, pay it. He should have marked it as a gift worth €200, I think they allow up to €200

John

Highlander

Limit is approx €45.00, anything over is liable for duty/vat, if you mind me asking, how much did they hit you for. if you want to be really awkward ask them for a copy of the Customs Sad for the shipment before you pay them

Ruu_Old

Eek hope you didnt have to pay too much duty, I thought the limit used to be €50

NutJob

I brought in a mod chip and have the duty slip at home will fill you in on what i payed duty when i dig it out

fly.on.the.wall

Thanks for the replies guys - with regards to how much the Duty is - they are charging me just over €25, i think it's a bit steep for an item that was claimed to be only $50 !! :eek:

Anyone got anymore thoughts??

Mimikyu

This post has been deleted.

Beano

There is a handling charge as well as the duty+vat. About €9 I think. They also charge duty+vat on the cost of shipping the item as well so about €25 is right. Just be thankful they arent charging you duty+vat on what the item is really worth.

fly.on.the.wall

Hey Guys -

Just to let you know, i decided to wait it out and not pay the customs charge. However, weeks later i received a letter from a Debt collection agency regarding the money i owed for the Custom charges. They gave me a couple of weeks to pay up, or they would be taking the matter further...Needless to say, i paid up!

Black Swan

fly.on.the.wall wrote:

Thanks for the replies guys - with regards to how much the Duty is - they are charging me just over €25, i think it's a bit steep for an item that was claimed to be only $50 !! :eek:

Anyone got anymore thoughts??

You might want to try posting over under the Biz heading on boards?