Sending a lens cversea for repair, how to declare Custom?

[Will]

Hello Guys,

I am about to send a lens to the US for repair, just want to know how to declare with the Customer Department?

I will be using Fedex, and will have to declare on the Air Way-bill and the commerical invoice.

Anyone with experience like sending something from US to UK for repair etc?

Cheers




Will

 

[Stu W]

I would dodge FedEx and use the regular postal service. I had a package sent to me, overnight by FedEx from Ireland, cost me $80 and sat in customs for 60 days! I've recently purchased a lens from Singapore, and one from HK. Regular airmail-less than 5 days.

 

[bob cole]

I would dodge FedEx and use the regular postal service. I had a package sent to me, overnight by FedEx from Ireland, cost me $80 and sat in customs for 60 days! I've recently purchased a lens from Singapore, and one from HK. Regular airmail-less than 5 days.

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I agree with Stu W...I send lenses regularly overseas through the US Post Office and declare the correct amount and never -- knock on wood -- have any problems...I have also received lenses from overseas -- only from the Ukraine so far -- with no problems and no duties to pay...

I would identify your lens as a "lens to be repaired" or something like that to tell customs what you're shipping and declare its value, nominally, say, $50...on the way back to you the repair people will do the same, declaring the value after repair, plus insurance...You might insure it to the US for what you declare...regards, bob

 

[Jocko]

Will,
I recently purchased an uncommon lens from Cameta Camera of Amityville. It turned to have a fault - a fact which Cameta could not possibly have known. It was promply repaired under warranty and I have nothing but praise for their excellent service.

But... The outward package was marked "lens for repair under warranty" and had no problem passing US customs. However, the return package, although similarly marked, was impounded by HM customs and I was charged £52.00 import duty/VAT and "handling". I was told that although they accepted that the lens was mine and that duty had been paid, I would have to pay up twice and apply for a refund or the lens would be sent back. Much phoning around produced the same answer.

So - if the remnants of British bureaucratic practice hang on in Hong Kong, be warned! Incidentally, I completely agree about ordinary air-mail being your best option.

Good Luck, Ian

 

[Mike Kovacs]

When you send it, definitely make it clear its going out for repairs. If you get a customs bill when it returns, you have something to fight it with. (keep copies of everything)

In Canada, I don't pay sales tax and customs on an item returning from repair, but I *could* get charged sales tax on the repair charge. It hasn't happened to me but not knowing anything about Chinese customs, I can't really say.

Last for me was a Rolleiflex SLR I sent to the US. Came back with a $500 value declaration, no duty/tax to pay.

 

[ch1]

When you send it, definitely make it clear its going out for repairs. If you get a customs bill when it returns, you have something to fight it with. (keep copies of everything)

Excellent advice (as was the above including using Air Mail).

If you have the original sales slip - make a copy and include it in the package. There should not be an customs charges into the US. Have the repairer "notate" on the copy of your sales slip that they only provided repairs to the item.

This will establish proof that there was no break in the chain of ownership (i.e. you) from when you sent it out until it came back to HK.

 

[Will]

Thanks a lot, Guys.

HK don't have import duties, since it is a free port (expect tobacco and wine)

(Just an interesting fact, income tax is at 16% and no VAT/GST).

I only have to worry about getting the lens into the US.

Thanks a lot for the advices, I will use the Hong Kong Postal Service.

Overnight transit turning into a 60 days wait is not good, not at the price of using Fedex.

Cheers




Will