How to send second-hand item to Aussie without recipient paying taxes?

ThisIsWeird

Hi.

This regards a ~£50 (second hand value. New, around £140) audio-USB interface device that son would like sent to Australia, where he'll be for a few months. Provided I can send it for the indicated ~£20 postage cost, then it makes sense.

I'm struggling to find a definitive answer regarding any import duties or taxes, tho'. Yes, there's the 'gift' option in the declaration, but it isn't really a 'gift', and neither is it 'new'. It's my son's own device.

It's worth sending if the total cost is only ~£20, but not if anything much is added to this. He can theoretically buy tatty second hand alternatives for around £40 in Aus, or very good cond versions for ~£65.

It'll be just under 1kg.

Anyone know definitely how to legitimately avoid any customs, import, or tax charges on this?

Thanks.

DullGreyGuy

https://www.abf.gov.au/buying-online/importing-by-post-or-mail

There are no concessions for gifts so marking it as such or not won't make any difference. In principle if its under AUD$1,000 there generally are no taxes to pay but there is a chance they could get caught with the 10% sales tax/VAT and then inevitably the clearing charge your courier charges. 

What residency status does he have there? If he's a citizen or has a permanent visa then there is the UPE programme but this is really designed for someone moving the whole contents of their home back to Australia not a single cheap electronic item being posted. 

ThisIsWeird

Thanks DGG.

It'll just be a visiting Visa - they're there for 3 months tops, I understand. Yes, I saw the UPE, but it wouldn't apply.

Do you know if the custom's forms give the opportunity to describe it as second-hand?

From what you say, tho', it seems to be worth a punt Thank you.

Oh, should I still mark it as a 'gift', or something else? Cheers.

The choice:

DullGreyGuy

I don't tend to game Customs as have lost too much time trying to find where items were or arguing if items are allowable thanks to "helpful" senders etc. 

As such I'd mark it as Other and Personal/Own Effects and in the description you can put USB DAC (Used) - or whatever this device is. 

ThisIsWeird

DullGreyGuy said:

I don't tend to game Customs as have lost too much time trying to find where items were or arguing if items are allowable thanks to "helpful" senders etc. 

As such I'd mark it as Other and Personal/Own Effects and in the description you can put USB DAC (Used) - or whatever this device is. 

Ah - so I have the option of 'Personal/Own Effects' if I choose 'Other'? That's really helpful.

No, I have no intention of gaming either! Just looking for the 'most correct way to do this so I don't get unnecessarily knobbled.

Good on ya, mate, and g'day.

Hoenir

Any intention to send back it to the UK afterwards? 

ThisIsWeird

Hoenir said:

Any intention to send back it to the UK afterwards? 

He will be bringing it back with him in his luggage when he returns - in around 9 months. (3 months in Aussie).

GabbaGabbaHey

It wasn't clear whether the £65 for a good condition second-hand one was in Australia or in the UK, but if it's the former wouldn't it make more sense for him to buy one and then sell it before he leaves Australia? Even if he loses £20 of value, he'd be no worse off than if you spend £20 to post his existing on to him...

ThisIsWeird

Hi GGH.

Yes, it was in Aussie. And, yes, that would probably be more sensible - or he even takes it back home to sell here.

But, fait accompli - his own one is on its way