Sligtly OT: Question about GST on imports.

[johndec]

I know a few people here have been hit with GST when importing camera gear into Oz, so you may be able to help me.

I've currently got a laptop winging its way here from Buttplug, Indiana and the delivery address is my PO Box. Now, I'm half expecting to get hit up for GST, but my question is... Do customs hang onto it and send me a letter informing me how much I owe them or do they let it be delivered and get the bloke at the counter of the post office to bail me up for the money before handing it over????

TIA
John.

[Glen]

Don't know how AP collects, they have opened stuff of mine before but not charged, but really was self respecting bloke will open something from BUTTPLUG?

[redline]

they'll give you a card with a charges to pay amount on the back. or a ransom note from customs stating how much you need to pay in order to secure the release of you hostage.

[nigels]

Johndec,

Often depends on transport method. International courier will usually pay and include the account with the goods, which they send on to you pretty quickly.

Postage can be quite different. In my case I received a form from customs which I had to complete, including credit card details, and fax back to them. The card was to pay GST and a customs fee. From there, the parcel was delivered to Bathurst within 2 days.

You may be fortunate however, and it may come through without any proplems, or further payments, provided it is not attacked by Customs

Regards
Nige

[Killakoala]

Yep, as above. AP will hold the item until you go in and collect it after paying the fee determined by customs, if they decide to bill you. BTW, i always thought Buttplug was the suburb next to Fyshwick, ACT.

[johndec]

Yep, as above. AP will hold the item until you go in and collect it after paying the fee determined by customs, if they decide to bill you. BTW, i always thought Buttplug was the suburb next to Fyshwick, ACT.

So if I read it right, the goods will go to AP where the guy on the counter holds it for ransom Better that than having to send money to customs before they release it (not to mention quicker). BTW, it is being sent via USPS Global Express and not via courier. According to tracking it left the US Thursday (their time), so it should be Oz today or tomorrow

[Killakoala]

USPS Global Express is the method i got pinged with GST. I don't remember how much it was, sorry. i had to go to the post office to collect it and pay the money.

[johndec]

USPS Global Express is the method i got pinged with GST. I don't remember how much it was, sorry. i had to go to the post office to collect it and pay the money.

Thanks for that bit of info, you've really cheered me up

C'est la vie

[redline]

i think things coming to aus from o/s attract gst if sent via couier (UPS) and valued greater than 250$aud but its 500aud via standard mail system.

[Aussie Dave]

I looked into purchasing the SB800 from B&H in the US and contacted the Australian Customs Department about Customs Duty and GST.

For the SB800 (not sure if this applies to all camera accessories), sending via post (USPS Global Express in this instance) would not incur any Customs Duty OR GST.

If the items imported (via post) fall below $1000AUD (once converted from USD) - including shipping costs, there is no customs duty. If the items also fall below $500 (or $50 GST), then GST is exempt as well.

The SB800, including shipping would come to about $365USD ($473AUD), so this would be the total "out of pocket" cost.

As I mentioned, this was only pertaining to the SB800 (US market, not Grey market). I am not sure if lenses, etc... are treated in the same manner.

I received this info about 3-4 weeks ago.

[sirhc55]

Dave - the information given to you is exactly totally correct by law but totally untrue in real life. What happens is this, if the package is picked by customs it does not matter one iota what its value is there will be a customs charge, gst and, in the case of UPS Global Express, a charge as well. I have just been charged $94.20 on an item by UPS Global but I was able to give card details over the phone and it was sent to me very quickly.

Customs checking is totally random.

[Aussie Dave]

Dave - the information given to you is exactly totally correct by law but totally untrue in real life. What happens is this, if the package is picked by customs it does not matter one iota what its value is there will be a customs charge, gst and, in the case of UPS Global Express, a charge as well. I have just been charged $94.20 on an item by UPS Global but I was able to give card details over the phone and it was sent to me very quickly.

Customs checking is totally random.

very interesting. I wonder why they didnt mention that to me ?!?
Perhaps to entice Aussies to import their own products, knowing that they may sting you on your way through...??

Even still, with the extra charges, it still beats australian retail prices by a long way !

[sirhc55]

Dave - what the quote you are rules, but who are the first to break rules

[Aussie Dave]

good point !

[johndec]

Even still, with the extra charges, it still beats australian retail prices by a long way !

That's very true, especially in my case

[Onyx]

That's very true, especially in my case

Shopping for products in the most unfortunately named place in the US?