Shipping labels for repaired cameras

[zuikologist]

I recall someone mentioning recently that it is possible to label packages which cross international borders for repair and are then returned in such a way that they do not attract tax/insurance on the return trip.

I would be grateful if someone could point me to the thread or just provide the information if easier. Thanks.

 

[taffer]

I'm VERY INTERESTED on this same question ! (Too many things awaiting service...)

Thanks for posting it Zuiko.

 

[jan normandale]

I recall someone mentioning recently that it is possible to label packages which cross international borders for repair and are then returned in such a way that they do not attract tax/insurance on the return trip.

I would be grateful if someone could point me to the thread or just provide the information if easier. Thanks.

Hi 'Zuiko'

I suggest you go to the website of your Federal Government, the UK. There should be an agency that is responsible for either Taxes or Customs and duties. Find their website and then look for the 'Guideline' for the duties or taxes. There will be a number for literally everything on the planet. Find the section that deals with camera/photographic equipment. There you will find the applicable tax/tariff rate if any for your camera type ie 35mm or LF or dental or scientific etc. Quote the number on your declarations for the shipment and then they should be coming to you with the correct tax if any.

Normal process in Canada where I am is to tax as if the item was purchased in Canada in Canadian dollars. So I pay tax. However I don't pay duty. Canada only uses duties to protect domestic industries from international price competition based on competitive advantage in labour costs. Canada doesn't have a domestic camera manufacturing industry to protect so I am not charged duty. It will probably be similar for you.

best regards,

 

[zuikologist]

Jan - thank you, that was a good idea. There is a link below (paragraphs 4.2 and 4.3)
which is relevant to UK exports/imports procedures. It might apply to other EU countries. Needless to say it requires much preparation and paperwork.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...HMCE_CL_000226&propertyType=document#P78_7984

 

[zuikologist]

Daniel

I think you are right. Customs/Royal Mail seem to be very erratic on charging, so I hope they let this one through.

 

[jan normandale]

Hi Zed

all I do after identifying the 'product / identificaton number' is add it to the usual customs declaration sticker affixed to the package at the time of posting. That seems to work ... so far anyway.

The real trick is to know the various sections of the act which deals with the various taxes and customs. Sounds hard it isn't just takes some time reading but I usually just go to an index on these documents and then scroll thru until I get the section I need.

 

[Kim Coxon]

As long as the stated value is less than £36 (About $60) and declared as a gift, it is exempt. If it is not stated as a gift, it's £18. I have just had 4 parcels in. One with a stated value of $300, one $200, one $120 and one lied saying it was $50. The only one I was charged on was the $50 one!

Kim

 

[Kim Coxon]

As long as you state that they are a gift - Yes. If not and he gets charged it's £5.10 tax plus either £4 or £8 handling charge depending on whether Royal Mail or ParcelForce handle it at this end.

Kim

So if I insure them and claim $50.00 each, they should sail through?

 

[zuikologist]

Thank you to everyone for the advice.

 

[iggers]

This may be both slightly off topic and incorrect, but I understand that in Canada the authorities can and occasionally do disregard both the declaration that an item is a "gift" valued at C$60 or less and the sender's statement of value. That is, the sender ticks off "gift", Canada Post / Canada Customs opens the package, decides that the item probably is not a gift (not from a relative, looks like commercial packaging, etc.) and then sends the recipient an assessment notice charging provincial and federal sales taxes and a $5 fee, based on the authorities (usually inflated) estimate of value. It is then up to the recipient to either refuse delivery or to pay the amount and file an appeal - really a gift, really worth only $x, etc.

 

[Hamster]

My local postmaster in Hong Kong have advised writing "NCV" on the green slip to avoid taxation. It seems to have worked when I posted trinkets to Russia, Oz and Germany. NCV=No Commercial Value

 

[Stephanie Brim]

One piece is an exceedingly good thing. 🙂

 

[zuikologist]

Thank you G'man - beautifully wrapped and aroused no suspicion!.

Stephanie - one piece is always good, but sadly not always the case with the Royal Mail :-(

 

[fgianni]

I must admit I have received items from Royal Mail that looked like the postmen played footie with them.