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Can customs still charge even if marked as a 'gift'?

  • 18-01-2008 9:59pm
    #1
    lkman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 145 ✭✭


    Just wondering can customs VAT still be charged on items clearly marked as a gift? (from the US.)


Comments

  • #2
    Karoma
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,396 ✭✭✭✭Karoma


    They can check whether it has been fraudently marked as a gift and charge.


  • #3
    Saruman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,389 ✭✭✭✭Saruman


    There is a monetary limit on what can be a classed as a gift im sure.. so if you order a laptop and have it marked "gift" then you have no chance but a dvd is probably ok


  • #4
    Padraig Mor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    lkman wrote: »
    Just wondering can customs VAT still be charged on items clearly marked as a gift? (from the US.)

    Yes, once the value of the package (including shipping!) is over €45. They might charge you duty as well.


  • #5
    lkman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 145 ✭✭lkman


    Thanks all.

    Just wanted to be sure. :)

    I actually don't mind paying the customs duties, it's really the charges from UPS et al that's annoying.


  • #6
    eoinhealy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 131 ✭✭eoinhealy


    lkman wrote: »
    Thanks all.

    Just wanted to be sure. :)

    I actually don't mind paying the customs duties, it's really the charges from UPS et al that's annoying.

    I use dropshipping companies to send stuff for me around the world. I have bought some samples of items to test that I want to sell in Ireland. I got the company in China to mark the value at 160, I paid more. I had to pay €47, Duty + UPS Charge (charge for paying the duty on my behalf)

    The only other way is to keep the cost under €45. But this might be hard to do with a larger item like a Laptop, or LCD TV.

    As far as I can remember off the top of my head, this is how it works:

    Price of item + Shipping = Answer 1
    Answer 1 x 13.5% = Duty
    Answer 1 + Duty x 21% = VAT

    Answer 1 + Duty + VAT = Total Cost
    courier Charge x 21% VAT= Courier Admin Charge

    Total Cost + Corrier Admin = Total

    Not the easiest to work out in a hurry

    Couriers normally charge approx €15 - €25


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  • #7
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,386 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    Padraig Mor wrote: »
    Yes, once the value of the package (including shipping!) is over €45. They might charge you duty as well.

    Yes, the limit is around €22 for "non gifts", and €45 for gifts. And it is the combined cost. so a €1 pen overnighted by courier for €21.50 is liable for duty. BUT this is not likely. Lots of stuff is coming in, and there are only so many customs men, administration costs are probably higher than the potentional collection monies. At xmas the customs were meant to have said stuff valued over €45 would be caught. never mentioned gifts or postage costs. I reckon they just sting any item over €45. They might also have it in for the likes of play.com etc.

    And of course there was going to be a limit, otherwise multinationals would just stick "gift" on their 40ft containers of cars coming in!


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