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Toast
9th June 2005, 16:00
Hey all,
has anyone here had experience importing stuff? I got sent an AGV Valentino special from the US for a mate. Customs jsut sent me a letter saying that I've gotta pay them $105 to get it though.

What's the deal? Can I get out of this?

wildcat_lgf
9th June 2005, 16:07
Get them to be a little more specific about why you are being charged $105...is it for GST? duty? quarenteen?

GST is only payable for goods over $400, and duty is only payable if you intend to on-sell, or if its not a personal import.

Could be handling fees and quaranteen (bad spelling) but couldn't imagine why?

I recently imported a whole lot of leathers and customs were good about it...

(check the value they put on it when they sent it)

Get them to explain exactly why you need to pay the $105 then maybe we can help...good luck

vifferman
9th June 2005, 16:12
According to their website, crash helmets attract 17% duty plus GST.

http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Customs+Charges.htm

However (BUT!) I'd heard that FFM were no longer manufacturing helmets here, so the 17% duty was wiped.

v.ros`
9th June 2005, 16:12
A helmet if im not mistaken... then i dont think u gotta pay any duty unless they put the value high...

I just bought two helmet from US and both of them without any charges from the customs...

TwoSeven
9th June 2005, 16:15
Hey all,
has anyone here had experience importing stuff? I got sent an AGV Valentino special from the US for a mate. Customs jsut sent me a letter saying that I've gotta pay them $105 to get it though.

What's the deal? Can I get out of this?

Nope. Phone em up and give em a credit card number - parcel turns up a couple of days later. Or get your "mate" to phone up and pay the charges.

They are just charging you gst on the goods so for $105 they've valued your lid at about $900 (probably off the value printed on the customs declaration).

Biff
9th June 2005, 16:35
When I spoke with customs recently (I import 'stuff') I was told that everything to be imported incurrs GST. But I thought I'd read here recently that helmts are now exempt?! I suggest you ring the national customs helpline for advice: 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786).

So, the deal I have with the people I buy the 'stuff' I import is that they state on the customs form that the goods have a value of $1 per item. As I import about 100 items at a time, well, do the maths youself.

What I actually pay is between myself and the person I buy my good from, and my accountant, Ms Biff.

No I don't import drugs, porn, animals or helmets before anyone asks. Or horny, stoned, animals wearing helmets for that matter.

Slim
9th June 2005, 16:39
I brought a Shoei helmet from Aussie 10 years ago & had to pay customs the GST.

I buy books & DVDs from Amazon in the States all the time & never get charged anything. Go figure. Maybe that $400 value statement above is true? Check out the customs site and/or call them for further details.

Ixion
9th June 2005, 16:41
When I spoke with customs recently (I import 'stuff') I was told that everything to be imported incurrs GST. But I thought I'd read here recently that helmts are now exempt?! I suggest you ring the national customs helpline for advice: 0800 4 CUSTOMS (0800 428 786).

So, the deal I have with the people I buy the 'stuff' I import is that they state on the customs form that the goods have a value of $1 per item. As I import about 100 items at a time, well, do the maths youself.

What I actually pay is between myself and the person I buy my good from, and my accountant, Ms Biff.

No I don't import drugs, porn, animals or helmets before anyone asks. Or horny, stoned, animals wearing helmets for that matter.

Yes, everything that is a physical thing incurs GST. But as a matter of (their) convenience Customs won't bother to collect any amount of GST less than $50 - which is equivalent to $400. BUT - this concession only applies if there are no other duties. Any other duty at all and you cop the lot.

Other (obvious ) exemption is something that you took out of the country and are bringing back (ie your baggage). And up to $700 (I think) of personal type effects for your own personal use. Which MIGHT cover helmets - but not if it is for a mate.

If some expert says I'm wrong, believe them. I'm familiar with the rules for trade imports, but personal stuff is a bit different.

Biff
9th June 2005, 16:44
I brought a Shoei helmet from Aussie 10 years ago & had to pay customs the GST.

I buy books & DVDs from Amazon in the States all the time & never get charged anything. Go figure. Maybe that $400 value statement above is true? Check out the customs site and/or call them for further details.

Isn't there a bi-lateral trade agreement in place with Oz these days, relating to the payment, or should I say non-payment of GST?

I've bought loads of stuff from Oz over the last few months, some of it quite expensive, and I've never been hit with any additional charges.

NhuanH
9th June 2005, 16:51
Get them to be a little more specific about why you are being charged $105...is it for GST? duty? quarenteen?

GST is only payable for goods over $400, and duty is only payable if you intend to on-sell, or if its not a personal import.

Could be handling fees and quaranteen (bad spelling) but couldn't imagine why?

I recently imported a whole lot of leathers and customs were good about it...

(check the value they put on it when they sent it)

Get them to explain exactly why you need to pay the $105 then maybe we can help...good luck
how far does that "personal stuff" argument work? Because the stupid customs brokers that handled my last internet purchase of riding gear hit me hard with duty and then GST on top of that. Amongst a few other balls-ups.... :weird:

I never thought about declaring it was for personal use and not for on-selling (which was the case) because I didn't think that changed the cirumstances to avoid duty.

On that battle, I decided to retreat early and save my sanity rather than engage the wheels of bureaucracy in a running street battle....
:brick: <--- never a truer emoticon!

HDTboy
9th June 2005, 16:57
I bought a set of pistons at $700US and got charged about $70 at customs, It still worked out heaps cheaper than buying the pistons here

Toast
9th June 2005, 17:00
Just checked the statement again, and yeah, it's for GST.

Shit, shoulda told the cuz in US to declare it for less. Though, it was insured for US$600, so that may have screwed things up a little if it were declared for $1 or so.

I guess the helmet just got a touch more expensive.

Cheers all for your help.

vifferman
9th June 2005, 17:03
I bought a set of pistons at $700US and got charged about $70 at customs, It still worked out heaps cheaper than buying the pistons here
According to their web page, that would be GST only (no import durty).


Isn't there a bi-lateral trade agreement in place with Oz these days, relating to the payment, or should I say non-payment of GST?
Not exactly. If you go there, and keep receipts, you can claim GST back at the airport when you leave (for some items). Dunno about imports etc.; I don't think Customs cares too much of the source of the item.

Lou Girardin
9th June 2005, 17:23
According to their web page, that would be GST only (no import durty).


Not exactly. If you go there, and keep receipts, you can claim GST back at the airport when you leave (for some items). Dunno about imports etc.; I don't think Customs cares too much of the source of the item.

You can claim back GST in Aust on single invoices over $300.00AUD. That's how my darling wife got a ring AND earings in Port Douglas
Our Govt doesn't offer the same concession.

Toast
9th June 2005, 17:26
Just a thought...said mate is from China...if it's going to be taken back there, will the back off?

Eyetie
9th June 2005, 17:31
You won't be able to get the GST back unfortunately, if you paid duty and it was being re-exported you can claim a duty refund, but as you said it was GST too bad your not GST registered.

Toast
9th June 2005, 17:33
You won't be able to get the GST back unfortunately, if you paid duty and it was being re-exported you can claim a duty refund, but as you said it was GST too bad your not GST registered.

There goes that plan then...

Cheers though.

Timber020
9th June 2005, 17:40
I bring in a bit of stuff from the states, if you want to play a fun game, try going through their book to find out what duty things are owing. The book is HUGE (like a half foot thick) and lists nearly every thing on this planet thats made.
I get stuff in thats sometimes only recently been created (like a chainsaw powered capstan winch) and it can take an age to find them.

Suney
9th June 2005, 18:06
Guess your mate from china has to wait another week to impress the ladies with his new helmet
I'm sure I read on here like 4months ago that they had wiped off the helmet tax

WINJA
9th June 2005, 18:18
I THOUGHT GIFTS WERE TAX FREE

MacD
9th June 2005, 19:42
Google is your friend:

IRD: GST and Goods purchased via the Internet (http://www.ird.govt.nz/ecommerce-tax/ecommerce-gst/gst-overseas-goods-secondhand-goods.html)

Customs Charges for Private Importers (http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Customs+Charges.htm)

Maybe you should check up on this?

Temporary Imports (http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Temporary+Imports.htm)

Motig
9th June 2005, 20:02
Interesting to see that the tax on helmets is 17%. I can remember years ago importing a two into one exhaust and double disc brake kit for a Yam 650 (yes, that is a long time ago) and having to pay duty on the exhaust but not on the brakes as they were a safety item, obviously things have changed. Also interesting that motorcycle parts are free or do I need to get my eyesight checked?

Toast
9th June 2005, 20:57
Google is your friend:

IRD: GST and Goods purchased via the Internet (http://www.ird.govt.nz/ecommerce-tax/ecommerce-gst/gst-overseas-goods-secondhand-goods.html)

Customs Charges for Private Importers (http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Customs+Charges.htm)

Maybe you should check up on this?

Temporary Imports (http://www.customs.govt.nz/importers/Private+Importers/Temporary+Imports.htm)

Cheers for that MacD. The temporary import thing could be a go...guess it's just up to him to enter the details of his next departure on the form. I'd pay the bloody money myself. Thanks for the link though.

TLDV8
9th June 2005, 22:16
Paying GST goes on the declared value.... I was under the impression GST is on NZ$500 and above..Once you get over NZ$1000 things get a bit more complicated........i have imported 50+ items out of the US,form US$20 to US$1200+..the only problem with a low declared value is if it is insured and gets lost (hardly rocket science)....then again i had one wag put the value of a pair of GSXR1000 fork legs at US$500 on the declaration when they cost $250 shipped,so ended up paying unwarranted GST..you win some.. :whistle:

FEINT
10th June 2005, 01:04
I had an idea that if the value is below $300.00 there is no GST? Just looked on the Custom Charges Website and "motorcycle parts" NO CHARGE... no duty!

Would it be possible to have your friend purchase the goods you actually want, then he onsells them to you. He will invoice you with a lower sum that you actually paid. Then if customs was to charge you for it, they will charge you less... ?

its getting late :weird:

What?
10th June 2005, 06:39
Paying GST goes on the declared value.... I was under the impression GST is on NZ$500 and above..Once you get over NZ$1000 things get a bit more complicated........i have imported 50+ items out of the US,form US$20 to US$1200+..the only problem with a low declared value is if it is insured and gets lost (hardly rocket science)....then again i had one wag put the value of a pair of GSXR1000 fork legs at US$500 on the declaration when they cost $250 shipped,so ended up paying unwarranted GST..you win some.. :whistle:
GST is charged from $400 value, unless it is goods you are carrying with you, in which case it is $700 TOTAL value. This only applies to new goods, so if you travel, or get someone else travelling to bring your new megabuck helmet back, have it removed from the packaging and make it look like it is used.

Bonez
10th June 2005, 07:20
Bought some OEM fork gaiters for the CB550 last year and got a rather large bill from customs. Just rang their 0800 no. and sorted things out sweet as.

MacD
10th June 2005, 09:09
GST is charged from $400 value, unless it is goods you are carrying with you, in which case it is $700 TOTAL value. This only applies to new goods, so if you travel, or get someone else travelling to bring your new megabuck helmet back, have it removed from the packaging and make it look like it is used.

However, if you import say $500 worth of goods (total of individual items, not per item) the GST is charged on the entire amount ($500 x 0.125 = $62.50 GST). If the goods are worth less than $400 ($400 x 0.125 = $50.00 GST) then Customs does not bother to collect the $50 GST. In other words it is a threshold at which they collect GST, not charge GST.

Also if the value of the goods is "mis-declared" (like that word Hitcher?) then Customs may assess the actual value of the goods and charge GST (and any relevant duties) on the assessed value (Section 88: Assessment of Duty (http://www.customs.govt.nz/library/Legislation/CE+Act+1996/Part+VIII+-+Assessment+and+Recovery+of+Duty.htm))

Sometimes you will get away with quite a bit, sometimes you won't... :shifty:

geoffm
10th June 2005, 09:28
The other trap is that th eGST charged includes the cost of freight. This is a trap if you are trying to keep under the $400 mark. I have found that stuff sent by post is cheaper and less likely to be pinged than by couriers such as DHL or Fedex.
Geoff

What?
11th June 2005, 18:53
... In other words it is a threshold at which they collect GST, not charge GST... :shifty:
Aye, MacD. You're not trying to challenge Hitcher here, are you??? :whistle:

S'pose I could have put it better - I meant total value of shipment, and as Geoffm points out, it does indeed include freight costs (which is weird because that means you are paying tax in NZ on a foreign service).

gav
12th June 2005, 11:55
$600US for a Valentino AGV sounds a bit steep!!

MacD
12th June 2005, 12:43
Aye, MacD. You're not trying to challenge Hitcher here, are you??? :whistle:


Who me!? I know better than to try that! ;)

The post wasn't aimed at you, just trying to clarify the issue a bit more...

pritch
12th June 2005, 17:59
Hey all,
has anyone here had experience importing stuff?

What's the deal? Can I get out of this?

Once imported a pair of MX rims from the UK. The parcel was round, about 21" in diameter (of course), about four inches thick and when the Customs officer shook it, it went clank clank.
"Doesn't look like wheel rims to me" said she.

WTF ?

I have been importing bits and pieces for my bike of late, so far without attracting GST. I assume they are under the limit.

That thing about "personal use" may only apply if you are bringing it in with you as you return from a trip overseas.

Pay it quick, you got off fairly light, they can base their charges on their estimate of the value of the hat plus freight and insurance. From memory, if you don't pick it up promptly they can also start charging you storage fees.

Toast
12th June 2005, 18:26
$600US for a Valentino AGV sounds a bit steep!!

I think he paid $400 US...but insured for $600 or something like that...all screwed up...

He's paying it now, so they'll release it pretty soon I'm guessing. Customs told me that if he can get a note from the Chinese customs peeps then he may be able to claim the GST back later on. Just needs proof that its been taken out of the country. I'm assuming that Chinese customs won't know the difference between a Rossi Rep AGV and a rooted HJC :whistle:

What?
12th June 2005, 20:42
The post wasn't aimed at you, just trying to clarify the issue a bit more...
Sweet as - I was born with my tongue in my cheek...

FEINT
15th June 2005, 09:30
Sorry if this is slightly off topic.

I have somthing coming in from the US. I have a good feeling (because of the value) it will probably get stopped at Customs.

In the past, when they stopped something and they wanted me to pay GST / DUTY, the would send me a letter. When I received the letter, I would pay and then they would send to me. That took about 1 week.

I however, want it As Soon As Possible. Is there any way of knowing when it has reached customs and it hasn't been released because it needs duty / gst paid?

It is an exhaust system by the way. Hopefully, they just don't pick it up and I get it without the hassle of paying customs etc.

Any suggestions?

What?
16th June 2005, 05:49
You will probably have an argument - motorcycle parts do not attract duty, but it's a good chance the buggers will try to charge it...

But otherwise, no - you just have to let the process take it's course.

FEINT
17th June 2005, 23:14
You will probably have an argument - motorcycle parts do not attract duty, but it's a good chance the buggers will try to charge it...

But otherwise, no - you just have to let the process take it's course.

Thank you for your reply. I have also read that motorcycle parts do not attract a duty, but I still think I might end up having to pay GST.

I just checked on the shipping company and it says that my item has arrived in New Zealand and is being processed by customs. Hopefully, it will go straight through and nothing will be charged.

I will keep you all updated.