Customs Duty

Sandwich117

I'm planning on buying a strat from the States over the interwebs when I get enough chang, and I was wondering how much the customs duty will be. (21% ).

Voodu Child

21% vat, 3.x% customs duty, possibly a administration charge by anpost

Basically, expect to pay roughly 25% on top of the (guitar + shipping cost). More info in the resources sticky.

Sandwich117

Cheers......Even with that percentage I'll still have to pay less than if I was getting the guitar from thomann or musicstore.
...One more thing...if for example I have to exchange the item for some reason, to I have to pay the customs duty again when the replacement enters the country?

Voodu Child

Technically, no. The replacement guitar will have to be clearly marked as a warranty replacement, and even then you'll possibly have to argue your case with the receipt/invoice from the first guitar. It's a common scam to try and pretend your imports are repairs/replacements and the customs department is wise to that and pay extra attention to those packages.

Sandwich117

Thanks again man.

Johnny Storm

In addition to what Voodoo_child said, I'd check with Customs what is the correct procedure before you do it. I'd also check with whoever you're buying from who will pay the shipping back to the US