Customs duty question...

[rick78]

So I've written off my bike :(

I imported my pride and joy last August and I had to sign a deed of undertaking saying that if I sold it within 2 years (actually, it states "...if the above VEHICLE is sold or otherwise disposed of anytime before...") I will need to pay $X amount in duties.

It then states "...the importer shall pay the New Zealand Customs Service the said sum of $X or the balance remaining, which shall be recoverable...".

So my questions are...

Its an insurance write off... so it will be disposed of... so I'm assuming I will be liable for these charges. Now, is it pro-rata, or would the full amount be payable? Also can they change this amount payable according to the settlement from the insurance company, or is the amount on the deed of undertaking a full and final amount?

I'm in a position where the cost of the bike in the UK (and therefore the duty calculation) is quite a bit less than the settlement figure I have been quoted (the main reason I imported it... in that if I wanted to replace it I'll be out of pocket if I sold it in the UK). I am hoping they won't change the duty payable to reflect this...

Also, I'm assuming the Customs service will be notified by the NZTA thats its changed hands...

Any advice appreciated!

[tigertim20]

hmm interesting question. I have no idea what the answer is, but I cannot see the faceless bureaucracy that is a government department giving a fuck about anything other than getting their money, with a no excuses policy.

Im interested to know the answer though

[Katman]

I have no idea what the answer is, but I......

.....love the sound of your own voice?

[rick78]

I can definitely see me paying the amount on the deed of undertaking, but the wording is difficult... becuase on one hand it sounds as if it will be pro-rata, and on the other it sounds as if the price on the deed may change.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it!

[John_H]

.....love the sound of your own voice?

pot...kettle...black!

[AllanB]

Interesting. Call or visit them. The intent of the payment would be if you were importing to make a quick buck, by signing it implies you were not. Writing it off is unfortunate and not really under the intent of the document you signed. I'd hope some customs person would see reason .......

[steve_t]

Interesting. Call or visit them. The intent of the payment would be if you were importing to make a quick buck, by signing it implies you were not. Writing it off is unfortunate and not really under the intent of the document you signed. I'd hope some customs person would see reason .......

Agree. I'd be surprised if they made you pay the duty. You're not selling it per se

[carburator]

Interesting. Call or visit them. The intent of the payment would be if you were importing to make a quick buck, by signing it implies you were not. Writing it off is unfortunate and not really under the intent of the document you signed. I'd hope some customs person would see reason .......

customs don't see reason..

the vehicle has been disposed of inside the time period you are liable for the amount agreed on the original document.
an insurance write off is simply that you have been paid for the vehicle.

there is no set formula, we paid a lesser amount to customs than the agreed amount, the insurance company handled
the transaction.

[rick78]

so i've contacted them and I just need to pay the pro-rata amount, so not all bad

[AllanB]

Still, arses, whats the point of charging you. Is it to teach you a lesson not to write the next one off!!!!!

[rick78]

yup, agreed... i'll be more careful next time!

[fuknK1W1]

So I've written off my bike :(

I imported my pride and joy last August and I had to sign a deed of undertaking saying that if I sold it within 2 years (actually, it states "...if the above VEHICLE is sold or otherwise disposed of anytime before...")

Looks like some lawyer earned his pay there...crunch the numbers and consider keeping ownership of the wreck?

[rick78]

thought about it... maybe