Cheaper UK import tax?

csi_guy

Ok im sorry if i've posted this in the wrong section.

I ordered a 4gb Sandisk memory stick from Frys.com for $79.99 (In the UK their £80+).... then I recieved an email saying 'we arent allowed to export this product'.

As it was free US shipping i got it sent to a friend who lives in NYC.

Long story short, is there anyway to pay low/no import tax/vat?

Out of its packaging the memory stick is about the size of a stamp and a couple of mm's thick, does it matter if she puts merchandise or gift?

Thanks.

cronosoft

Also - be aware when importing stuff from non-EU countries that VAT and collection charge is payable for the entire value of the goods PLUS postage costs, if sent by regular mail.

You can avoid being taxed on shipping costs and avoid the collection fee if you use most couriers instead.

csi_guy

cronosoft wrote:

There is no legal rules to stop them exporting the memory stick - that's nonsense. It must be 'company policy'

Thank you for your order. For all inquires regarding your order,

We regret to inform you that the item you ordered cannot be
exported. As a result, we've had to cancel your order. Although
this information is posted on our website, we wanted to inform
you about the export restriction and suggest that you consider
selecting an alternative. Please contact a member of our sales
support team at 1-408-350-1484 or 1-(877)688-7678 and they will
assist you in finding a replacement that will ensure your
satisfaction.

What i dont understand though, what if someone sends you an actual gift/present or birthday card etc... you have to pay tax for your own presents? :eek:

Thankyou for the replies so far.

Lorian

Just make sure she sends it via global priority mail. They have a fxed-price packet rate (smallest one).

GooeyBlob

cronosoft wrote:

If the package is opened by customs, they'll judge if it's worth much more, so be careful if importing large quantities of diamond encrusted memory sticks etc.! Small items such as the one you're referring to will be fine.

Is it possible to get diamond-encrusted Ram packs for the ZX81? I wonder what customs would make of the Blu-tack holding it in place.

Cook_County

1. Details on how to legally pay Customs Duty & VAT can be found here:http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454

2. The United States bars export of certain high technology products. These laws were originally designed to stop exports to the Soviet Union but still prohibit certain highly encrypted software and programs to design encryption. The company may handle these kinds of products or or its lawyers be particularly concerned about junior staff exporting prohibited goods. Alternatively it may just have decided that exporting beyond the contiguous States does not make enough money for them to want to do so.

csi_guy

Cook_County wrote:

1. Details on how to legally pay Customs Duty & VAT can be found here:http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&propertyType=document&resetCT=true&id=HMCE_CL_001454

Thanks for the link, so if on the custom form she writes gift worth $9 i dont pay high tax/vat?

I maybe going a little crazy here, but would it be any better if she removed the packaging and posted the memory stick by itself and say its just a letter? :embarasse

Lorian

csi_guy wrote:

Thanks for the link, so if on the custom form she writes gift worth $9 i dont pay high tax/vat?

I maybe going a little crazy here, but would it be any better if she removed the packaging and posted the memory stick by itself and say its just a letter? :embarasse

Telling lies on customs documents is NOT WORTH IT.

You say it's a gift so she should delcare it as such at the purchase price. That way she's not falsifying customs documents.

Then she should send it GLOBAL PRIORITY MAIL IE via USPS (Their Post Office) which means the importers this end will be the Royal Mail. This gives you the best chance of the packet not even being inspected, and if it is the Royal Mail customs handling charge should be* much less than any other carrier.

*I haven't had to pay duty and VAT on anything for quite a while.

guerillasaver

how about your friend pops it in a "birthday card" for ya

csi_guy

guerillasaver wrote:

how about your friend pops it in a "birthday card" for ya

Thats what i was getting at :rotfl:.

Lorian wrote:

Telling lies on customs documents is NOT WORTH IT.

You say it's a gift so she should delcare it as such at the purchase price. That way she's not falsifying customs documents.

Then she should send it GLOBAL PRIORITY MAIL IE via USPS (Their Post Office) which means the importers this end will be the Royal Mail. This gives you the best chance of the packet not even being inspected, and if it is the Royal Mail customs handling charge should be* much less than any other carrier.

*I haven't had to pay duty and VAT on anything for quite a while.

Thankyou Lorian i will do it this way.

cronosoft

GooeyBlob wrote:

Is it possible to get diamond-encrusted Ram packs for the ZX81? I wonder what customs would make of the Blu-tack holding it in place.

Hahaha... it's funny you say that, as I'm self employed full-time EBAY seller (RETROGAMEZ-CO-UK) selling 1980's stuff like those exact same ZX81 wobbly RAM-packs ! :rotfl:

US Customs would probably think the RAM pack was a bizarre cold-war spy device, and the blu-tack was plastic explosive.