Customs re package from US

Saladin Ane

Hi, I just got a note from An Post suggesting that I pay Eu96.73 to collect a parcel containing 3 coats and some non-redirected mail. One cpaot is a long puffer job and the two others are windcheater types. All coats are at least 6 years old and have been dry-cleaned perhaps 3 times each.

Why am I getting charged?

Atlantic Dawn

US is outside the EU so any items imported can be subject to import charges. Was a value declared on the package by the sender? If no value was declared an estimate would be made and that's where the charge would have come from.

Saladin Ane

Thanks Atlantic Dawn. As I lived there for the past 11 years and wore these coats for 5 winters, do I have any redress? Or do I just suck it up?

Buffman

You might be entitled to tax relief based on your circumstances. I'd suggest you contact Revenue directly if you think you are and see what they say, An Post are only acting as agents for them and won't be much help.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/importing-vehicles-duty-free-allowances/transfer-of-residence/index.aspx

Atlantic Dawn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118157053#Comment_118157053

You might, the problem though is they will need to be given some realistic value. It may turn out to be more trouble than it's worth to prove how old they are, the original ownership and what they were purchased for. A long shot but perhaps try to take photos of the labels on them to supply as proof and there may be year of manufacture shown, this would prove they were of a certain age.

Darc19

As a value was not declared, they made an educated guess of probably €300.

Add duty, vat on the duty, vat on the value including shipping, and an post processing fee and you are at €90+

Btw, it works the same way if you were sending items from here to the USA

Strumms

everything has value... whomever was shipping the clothing should have described them as ...

3 worn / used coats, not for resale, no commercial value....

the commercial value is what they are trying to get you for.

Saladin Ane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118157882#Comment_118157882

I now realise that should have been the case. Or last week's dry-cleaning ticket should not have been removed.

Saladin Ane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118157882#Comment_118157882

There are signs of wear (cuffs) on both windcheaters, so they are nailing this price on the puffer coat.

Darc19

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118159021#Comment_118159021

They will not and should not have to spend ten minutes appraising the goods.

They see three jackets, they see no value declared. €300 value applied, next please.

You have always had to declare a value on non EU goods. Fault is entirely with whoever posted the goods

Jim_Hodge

How did the sender declare the goods or the value? That's where the blame begins.

Saladin Ane

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118159552#Comment_118159552

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118160405#Comment_118160405

OK guys. Point taken. Yes, I get it now. So, Monday I'll pop down to the PO and cough up. The puffer coat cost around $450 in Massachusetts about 6 years ago. If they Googled the label it means the price has dropped😒

Saladin Ane

Today I received a packet from China through FASTWAY DELIVERY SERVICE. Welded plastic covering with just a corner pulled off (Customs perhaps). Merchandice cost roughly Eu 80. Didn't have to pay anything. How come?

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118178204#Comment_118178204

Probably because VAT etc was handled at point of sale, like most Aliexpress sales.