Official worldwide thread - Tips/Advice for customs, VAT, etc...
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Just to clarify, I believe you need to keep the unused items in your carryon, in case the agent asks to see them.
Yes, always keep items with you in the carry on, if you check it in, they won't be able to stamp the forms for the VAT refund.
I believe you would claim it in the last EU country you visit before leaving for London. If you’re flying from Paris or Rome to London, you submit the paperwork in the Paris/Rome airport.
Hi there, a question on customs charges over $800 when entering the US.
I am moving back to the US from New Zealand this June after living overseas for 7 years. Over the years here, I've purchased a number of designer handbags (many purchased off of MyTheresa). I'm going to declare everything (about $10k USD worth with invoices as proof of purchases), does anyone know how much I'll be charged for custom fees? At what percentage will I be charged for handbags that are mostly calfskin and/or lambskin leathers (no exotic leathers)?
I am moving back to the US from New Zealand this June after living overseas for 7 years. Over the years here, I've purchased a number of designer handbags (many purchased off of MyTheresa). I'm going to declare everything (about $10k USD worth with invoices as proof of purchases), does anyone know how much I'll be charged for custom fees? At what percentage will I be charged for handbags that are mostly calfskin and/or lambskin leathers (no exotic leathers)?
If the items were purchased abroad during your residence over one year ago, customs will usually consider them personal effects and waive duty on them. If you are hand carrying these items with you through customs, make sure you have proof of purchase showing when they were purchased in case you are questioned.
Just for information purposes, leather handbags of calfskin or lambskin fall under 4202.21.6000 HTS code and it is 10% duty. However, most customs agents at the airport will arbitrarily assign a duty rate between 3-10%, depending on what mood he/she is in. Sometimes they will waive completely. It really is just luck of the draw.
FWIW, I’m a licensed customs broker and I consult for an apparel company. This is what I do for a living
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Thank you so much for the wealth of information! This has been incredibly helpful!If the items were purchased abroad during your residence over one year ago, customs will usually consider them personal effects and waive duty on them. If you are hand carrying these items with you through customs, make sure you have proof of purchase showing when they were purchased in case you are questioned.
Just for information purposes, leather handbags of calfskin or lambskin fall under 4202.21.6000 HTS code and it is 10% duty. However, most customs agents at the airport will arbitrarily assign a duty rate between 3-10%, depending on what mood he/she is in. Sometimes they will waive completely. It really is just luck of the draw.
FWIW, I’m a licensed customs broker and I consult for an apparel company. This is what I do for a living
One question: for some of my older purchases, I don't have the original packing slip that came with the online orders....would it be sufficient if I printed off the MyTheresa email order confirmations as proof of payment that has the date and amount I paid.
Yes, as long as you have the date of purchase on the order confirmation, you should be fine! Are these bags used? Customs should be able to see your travel history and see you've been a resident of New Zealand for the last 7 years.
Hi, I'm looking for information to verify what I heard (rumor?) but couldn't find anything.. I hope you can help!
If i'm a non-EU/UK resident and I go to London-Paris-London, do the UK customs charge me a tax on entry?
I'm not worried about claiming the French VAT, but I heard that UK customs can decide to charge you an import duty (up to 40%) on the goods you are bringing in.
This happened early after brexit; i'm hoping it changed now..
Hi, in my experience no. I flew into Paris and took the train to London. I did my shopping in Paris and submitted my forms at the train station. You just have to have everything handy to show if they ask. Nothing was asked of me when leaving London Heathrow as I did not do any shopping in London.
I will be flying from Rome FCO terminal 1 to Zurich. My flight is at 8:35 am. Will the customs office in terminal 1 be open to get VAT forms stamped? I read that terminal 1 is small with only European flights so I don’t think many people will be claiming refunds so concerned about getting VAT stamping. Any input/advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Hello, I’m flying from Paris via Frankfurt to the US this weekend. Layover in Frankfurt is only 1 hour. Do I get my forms stamped in Paris since I won’t have sufficient time in Frankfurt? Has anybody had a short connection in a EU country and got their forms stamped at their first airport (in my case Paris)?
Please help!! First time doing this. Thanks!!
Please help!! First time doing this. Thanks!!