Importing Lens - Chances of getting caught by customs?

Redisle

Hey guys,
Continuing from a previous thread I had my sister is gone to San Francisco and im asking her to get me a lens or two..
Ive decided to ask her to buy me a Sigma 70-300mm APO anyway since it works out at about 150 euro (cheaper than ebay)
But I also need a general purpose zoom..
Ive pretty much decided on a Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II.. now, I can get this on ebay here and it works out at about 270 euro, I can get it from America for about 305 ( based on calumetphoto.com prices)

Now, Im just wondering about customs..
Do people on here get caught by customs frequently when Importing from hk? If so, how much are you charged?

Would my sister be caught by Customs in America bringing 2 expensive lenses through?

I just want to use the least expensive option.. Im just not sure about customs charges..

Thanks for any help guys,
ab

5uspect

You're asking us to discuss something illegal . Lots of people here buy form Hong Kong and even if they do get stuck for duty you'll probably still save money. Have a search through past threads...

Stokolan

not sure on what way customs work things out but tehy usually charge you VAT, Holding charge and a re postage fee I think. It probably work out about a €60 charge by customs. I bought a phone once cost me about €420 then customs chagred me another €90 and it still worked out a lot cheaper then buying it here.

CantGetNoSleep

I think you are charged 30% plus €5, that is VAT + import duty and the €5 is just a processing charge

kensutz

The OP is on about bringing them back personally and not posting. Your sister should be ok. As for the second post, all depends on how lucky you get. Never had a problem with getting camera stuff in the post.

CantGetNoSleep

On bringing it back personally, if it is taken out of the packaging / labels etc removed even if she is stopped by customs she could try claiming that it isn't new, although they may look for proof of purchase

Stokolan

kensutz wrote: »

The OP is on about bringing them back personally and not posting. Your sister should be ok. As for the second post, all depends on how lucky you get. Never had a problem with getting camera stuff in the post.

Actually he is talking about both ways. Looks like he's trying to figure out which way will be cheaper. if they were to bring it back and get charged or if he was to post it back and get charged. either way I think it will work out around the same but the safer option would be to get it in america!

Redisle

Stokolan wrote: »

Actually he is talking about both ways. Looks like he's trying to figure out which way will be cheaper. if they were to bring it back and get charged or if he was to post it back and get charged. either way I think it will work out around the same but the safer option would be to get it in america!

Yes Im trying to figure out which would be cheaper..
I think I will go for the America option, I wonder if it would be safe if I had them pack it well in the check in luggage? Couldnt be charged customs then..

Thanks for the replies so far guys, its a big help.
ab

Stokolan

ab_cork wrote: »

Couldnt be charged customs then..

Actually you can the customs check is after you collect your case when you land In Ireland.

PeakOutput

ask the seller to mark the value on the packaging at half price and to mark it as a gift at most youl pay around 30/40 euro if he does that. i always get caught from the states but didnt the one time i ordered from hk but the value was very low in that purchase

edit: and if shes bringing them from the states give her one of your photography bags to bring over(if you have one) then get her to take the lens's out of the boxes and ut them in the bag so if the customs do stop ehr they dont look like they were just bought but look as if they were in use.

trishw78

ab_cork wrote: »

I think I will go for the America option, I wonder if it would be safe if I had them pack it well in the check in luggage?

Seriously I wouldn't even consider this option your relying on the bagage handlers treating her bag with respect and handling it gently. This never happens trust me both times in I've been to the states recently I've had broken handles and the wheel ripped off the other one. Bring them in the carry on luggage

liamtinney

I have been caught by customs for duty on everything that I have bought from HK, I even got Lens set to the north and I still had to pay, the last lens I bought was a canon 50mm L 1.2 , price on custom form was £140.00 streling and i had to pay €90.00 It was delivered to my home in Donegal

AnCatDubh

Here is a thread from the consumer forum which is interesting reading in terms of customs/duty/vat for anyone buying abroad;

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055207609