Kumachrome
Established
Hi, so I’ve recently sent my Leica M2 to be painted by Cameraworks-UK. Heard good things about them, and their pricing wasn’t bad.
However, I’m starting to realize the horrors of shipping items outside the country. First, had to pay $66.50 to ship the camera. Alright, I can deal with that. But, now my camera, according to the tracking is “Held in Customs” and has been this way for about 2 days now.
I read online that this is normal, but, some people were getting sent letters from UK customs where they have to pay VAT, customs fees, etc. If I calxulate correctly, this means I would have to pay an OUTRAGEOUSLY large amount of money for customs fees and such, since I put the value of my camera at $1500.
Has this happened to anyone? How likely am I to get such a request to pay? If I do, I’ll probably just request for them to send it back to me.
However, I’m starting to realize the horrors of shipping items outside the country. First, had to pay $66.50 to ship the camera. Alright, I can deal with that. But, now my camera, according to the tracking is “Held in Customs” and has been this way for about 2 days now.
I read online that this is normal, but, some people were getting sent letters from UK customs where they have to pay VAT, customs fees, etc. If I calxulate correctly, this means I would have to pay an OUTRAGEOUSLY large amount of money for customs fees and such, since I put the value of my camera at $1500.
Has this happened to anyone? How likely am I to get such a request to pay? If I do, I’ll probably just request for them to send it back to me.
ptpdprinter
Veteran
What did CameraWorks tell you about shipping and customs before you sent them the camera?
Paul T.
Veteran
It's a tough one.
I faced the opposite problem, when I sent a camera to, I think, Youxin Ye (ie return trip from UK to US). I got a huge VAT bill on return. I disputed it with customs and got an agreement to drop the payment, becuase all the documentation showed it was a return trip for the camera. The trickiest part was the courier, in this case Parcelforce, who add an extra fee for taking the VAT. In that case, I had to simply hold up a queue for 20 minutes or so, offering them full documentation of who I was, in case I was trying to scam them, but in the end it was their embarrassment at the huge queue that allowed me finally to take my camera home.
Sorry to say, too, that over-declaring value ($1500 for an M2 that need service) is always going to make things worse.
I don't think you can blame the repairer. In instances like this, you need to plaster linerally all over the packaging that it's an item being sent for repair, that will be returned.
I faced the opposite problem, when I sent a camera to, I think, Youxin Ye (ie return trip from UK to US). I got a huge VAT bill on return. I disputed it with customs and got an agreement to drop the payment, becuase all the documentation showed it was a return trip for the camera. The trickiest part was the courier, in this case Parcelforce, who add an extra fee for taking the VAT. In that case, I had to simply hold up a queue for 20 minutes or so, offering them full documentation of who I was, in case I was trying to scam them, but in the end it was their embarrassment at the huge queue that allowed me finally to take my camera home.
Sorry to say, too, that over-declaring value ($1500 for an M2 that need service) is always going to make things worse.
I don't think you can blame the repairer. In instances like this, you need to plaster linerally all over the packaging that it's an item being sent for repair, that will be returned.
The customs docs need to be prepared properly or these hassles can happen. Or cameraworks may have a special import license, since this is not a purchase by someone in the UK, but a service being done. Have you contacted them?
fbf
Well-known
Same exact thing happened to me recently....
I would suggest you to talk to Alan directly. He is a very reasonable guy. He can give you some insight.
$1500 for a M2? I sent in my M3 with a lens with a marked value of $300
I would suggest you to talk to Alan directly. He is a very reasonable guy. He can give you some insight.
$1500 for a M2? I sent in my M3 with a lens with a marked value of $300
maddoc
... likes film again.
I had sent my BP M4 for service to DAG (from Japan) and had declared the value of the camera to US$2400. Since this exceeds the maximum coverage of EMS with Japan Post, I had to file a form declaring the value etc.
Everything should be in order so I thought but I was wrong. On the return trip the camera was held already 3 days in import customs in Japan when I decided to call them and ask if there were any problems. I was told that because I had not provided a special after repair re-import form when sending the camera out, I would be charged import tax on the declared value of the camera plus the repair cost. I was lucky in that I could explain that I wasn`t aware of that procedure and also that I had previously paid import fees for the camera because it was bought from Westlicht in Vienna. Lesson learned, when sending high price items out of the country for repair first talk to the customs office about the correct procedure.
Everything should be in order so I thought but I was wrong. On the return trip the camera was held already 3 days in import customs in Japan when I decided to call them and ask if there were any problems. I was told that because I had not provided a special after repair re-import form when sending the camera out, I would be charged import tax on the declared value of the camera plus the repair cost. I was lucky in that I could explain that I wasn`t aware of that procedure and also that I had previously paid import fees for the camera because it was bought from Westlicht in Vienna. Lesson learned, when sending high price items out of the country for repair first talk to the customs office about the correct procedure.
anindyo
Member
I sent my lens to cameraworks couple weeks ago from Australia and had no problem. I stated that the lens was for repair and return, also the import item code (ask Alan for it). The lens itself was AUD 300.
I think better to prepare for hassle for sending/receiving item above $1000 overseas.
I think better to prepare for hassle for sending/receiving item above $1000 overseas.
coogee
Well-known
You can always consider using a shipping agent, we have Pack n Send here, let them take care of HTC codes and paperwork.
I have little faith in the postal insurance system and consider high value declarations invite unwanted interest in the package.
Held in Customs is a bad sign, you might receive administrative fees even if you request return. Good luck.
I have little faith in the postal insurance system and consider high value declarations invite unwanted interest in the package.
Held in Customs is a bad sign, you might receive administrative fees even if you request return. Good luck.
ChrisLivsey
Veteran
But he does a great job, when you get it back it will look fantastic, this is his work with the non glossy finish DuraCoat:
otveit
Newbie
I think following his shipping instructions minimize most shipping problems problems. But both customs and parcel carriers can some times be difficult for no apparent reason.
I am looking at sinding my M2 for a repaint and am debating duracoat vs enamel. I prefer the look of duracoat, but I am worried it will not wear as nicely. My hope would be that it does not wear at all. Any with a dura-coat camera that can comfort me?
I am looking at sinding my M2 for a repaint and am debating duracoat vs enamel. I prefer the look of duracoat, but I am worried it will not wear as nicely. My hope would be that it does not wear at all. Any with a dura-coat camera that can comfort me?
neghead
Member
VAT relief
VAT relief
I know this doesn't apply to the original poster, but those who are exporting from the UK to have a camera serviced or repaired in a non-EU country might want to read this:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/outward-processing-relief-opr
If I read that right, by declaring it correctly on export from the UK, you can (theoretically) save yourself a lot of hassle and money.
There may be other pages on gov.uk that deal with temporary import into the UK for repair. I somehow feel that if you are only temporarily importing something into the UK you shouldn't have to pay VAT on it, but if that's true, you'll have to find the exact mechanism for doing so.
_Tom
VAT relief
I know this doesn't apply to the original poster, but those who are exporting from the UK to have a camera serviced or repaired in a non-EU country might want to read this:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/outward-processing-relief-opr
If I read that right, by declaring it correctly on export from the UK, you can (theoretically) save yourself a lot of hassle and money.
There may be other pages on gov.uk that deal with temporary import into the UK for repair. I somehow feel that if you are only temporarily importing something into the UK you shouldn't have to pay VAT on it, but if that's true, you'll have to find the exact mechanism for doing so.
_Tom
neghead
Member
Paul T.
Veteran
Good post, the forms have changed since I sent my camera out, thanks for this.
rolfe
Well-known
I have had several lenses painted by Alan and they are all great. The customs thing is a hassle on both sides of the pond, but ultimately it is just a delay, albeit an annoying one.
Rolfe
Rolfe
That's why they call it 'dura coat.'
It's a firearm coating. It will not show wear unless you abuse it.
BillBingham2
Registered User
My guess is that if you had described it as a camera out for repair and it might not have been a problem.
Please let us know how it will make out so we can all learn.
B2 (;->
Please let us know how it will make out so we can all learn.
B2 (;->