Tips/Advice for customs, VAT, etc.

#796
Does anyone know the how customs taxes and duties are calculated?

I can’t seem to find a calculator or chart or brackets anywhere. I called DHL and they said they don’t know anything about it and it’s at the government’s discretion.

How does that even make sense? I understand under $800 there is no duty. In the past I paid $150 on a bag that costed $1500. I’m wondering how much duties I will pay on a $3000 bag from the U.K.
 
#797
From my experiences, it is at the government (employee) discretion to some extent, because some bags that cost 3K will never even be charged. They don't have time to check every inbound package, so many items go through completely without a tax/duty. If the employee has time, they might do extra checking. I've never been charged for a UK item, but I have for a Japanese item that was only $300, and it was about $68 on that item, and the UK item (no charge) was 2500. It's quite random. But they hold your package hostage until you pay. Some stores (like Selfridges) will pay a custom/duty tax on your behalf so you won't get any charges at all. And some sellers/companies will ship it as a gift or low value so the chances of a tax/duty are gone. I paid $68 on a bag that was $300 so I'm not sure why that happened - perhaps it also matters how the package is sent (post office versus a delivery service).
 
#798
Thanks for the quick reply. My duties ended up being $300 for my purchase. It just boggles my mind, how it's up to the agent to decided how much duty the person should pay and there isn't a set rate or percentage.

I actually only order from SelfridgesUK and I have always had to pay duties. How have you had them pay for your duties?

ccbaggirl89 said:
From my experiences, it is at the government (employee) discretion to some extent, because some bags that cost 3K will never even be charged. They don't have time to check every inbound package, so many items go through completely without a tax/duty. If the employee has time, they might do extra checking. I've never been charged for a UK item, but I have for a Japanese item that was only $300, and it was about $68 on that item, and the UK item (no charge) was 2500. It's quite random. But they hold your package hostage until you pay. Some stores (like Selfridges) will pay a custom/duty tax on your behalf so you won't get any charges at all. And some sellers/companies will ship it as a gift or low value so the chances of a tax/duty are gone. I paid $68 on a bag that was $300 so I'm not sure why that happened - perhaps it also matters how the package is sent (post office versus a delivery service).
Click to expand...
 
#799
Michelleka2 said:
Thanks for the quick reply. My duties ended up being $300 for my purchase. It just boggles my mind, how it's up to the agent to decided how much duty the person should pay and there isn't a set rate or percentage.

I actually only order from SelfridgesUK and I have always had to pay duties. How have you had them pay for your duties?
Click to expand...
It's included at the price at checkout, that's how their online store works for non-EU purchases.
 
#800
ccbaggirl89 said:
It's included at the price at checkout, that's how their online store works for non-EU purchases.
Click to expand...

Oh maybe for online but I have an SA in the store that I am in contact with and she takes off 16.66% for the VAT tax. If you want her information, I'll be happy to pass it along to you. They have so much in the store, I never look at their website. I usually find what I like here in the states, try it on and then message her with pictures and sizes. Anything less then $800.00 you do not pay duties.
 
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#801
Michelleka2 said:
Oh maybe for online but I have an SA in the store that I am in contact with and she takes off 16.66% for the VAT tax. If you want her information, I'll be happy to pass it along to you. They have so much in the store, I never look at their website. I usually find what I like here in the states, try it on and then message her with pictures and sizes. Anything less then $800.00 you do not pay duties.
Click to expand...
that is very helpful... i will keep it in mind, thanks. i normally shop there during the holiday sales, and yes, just online.

you might want to look here: https://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm

if you find the category and download the spreadsheet it gives the percentages they should charge...
 
#803
I think my address must be flagged or something because I now always have to pay customs and state use tax whenever I get an international shipment. Just something to keep in mind!
 
#804
Hi

I need some advice. I will be travelling to the UK, France & Italy in May with my cousin and plan to make a few purchases. Since I live in Australia, I plan to claim the VAT back.

My question is what are peoples experience when claiming the VAT back and how did you go about it. My cousin went a few years ago, she lodged her receipts in the drop box as the queue to claim was way too long and sometime later the money was deposited back onto her card. But I was speaking to my Chanel SA this morning and she went last year and she advised me when I make the purchase to say I want my refund back in cash. She advised this as she made purchases worth a substantial amount of money and never received the VAT back on her card.

Any advise would greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
#806
Hi

I need some advice. I will be travelling to the UK, France & Italy in May with my cousin and plan to make a few purchases. Since I live in Australia, I plan to claim the VAT back.

My question is what are peoples experience when claiming the VAT back and how did you go about it. My cousin went a few years ago, she lodged her receipts in the drop box as the queue to claim was way too long and sometime later the money was deposited back onto her card. But I was speaking to my Chanel SA this morning and she went last year and she advised me when I make the purchase to say I want my refund back in cash. She advised this as she made purchases worth a substantial amount of money and never received the VAT back on her card.

Any advise would greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
#807
I have questions.... I will not be in Germany until this Saturday, but i want to ask my cousin get a bag from a store( I can ask the store print out the tax return form for tourist, no passport require)
my question is when I submit the tax return form.does my item qualify for rebate? Do they check the exactly day I enter to Germany on the item I purchased?
 
#808
The VAT has me completely confused. BF and I are planning a trip to visit his cousin in Brussels with stops in Paris and London. If I fly into Paris, purchase a bag, and then a week later leave for the States via Brussels, at what point do I submit the VAT forms?
 
#810
Despite reading numerous blogs and articles, I can’t seem to find an answer so I’m hoping someone can help me out.
I’m currently in Paris, and looking to purchase a bag. It looks like Le Bon Marche has an on-site refund point of 10.8%. If I take advantage of the immediate refund, do I still need to get papers stamped at CDG on my way home? I would love to avoid the crazy long VAT refund lines, so if this is one way of doing that, great. Additionally, does any know the exact import percentage fee (duty fee? have no idea what it’s called!) charged by the US?
Thank you so much!
 
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