Customs duties on leathers??

[heyjoe]

Some very useful info here guys. Thanks.

[Swoop]

Under $400 = No GST.

Helmets are safty gear.

Dosen't matter. Safety gear still attracts GST. I import an electronic safety device and get hit with gst.

[goodguy8]

Dosen't matter. Safety gear still attracts GST. I import an electronic safety device and get hit with gst.

I am an ex-Customs officer(quit coz i got bored saying 'Welcome to New Zealand to ppl hu cudnt speak a word of english.. not being rude,just stating a fact).. With Customs, have loopholes in the system, you actually can get around duty and gst no matter wat ure bringing.. legal stuff i meant..

[Ripperjon]

I got charged duty on my helmet, despite it being listed as exempt on the customs website.
It was sent in a box with my jacket, gloves, jeans and riding shoes but they were all listed individually on the invoice customs sent me.
That sucked a bit.

And, i'm not going to tar everyone with the same brush, but...

Both times i've dealt with customs i have had the misfortune to talk to the two most miserable, rude assholes ever

[HornetBoy]

Have imported in a few items of motorbike gear (helmet,joe rocket leather jacket,boot and gloves.) and never been hit with gst or any additional costs must just be lucky i guess

my jacket i got in was about $750 nz still no additional costs ....

[JimBob]

As said, no duty, but 12.5% gst on anything over $400 (nz, including shipping). However you will likely get away with it if posted through regular post, really it comes down to whether they happen to check it or not.

BUT

if you get it sent through any courier type company (DSL etc) you will defiantly be charged the gst as they act as agents and collect it.

pretty much EVERYTHING is liable for gst irrespective of value, BUT customs has discretion as whether they charge it or not. GENERALLY speaking they dont bother if the gst is $50 or less. They quite often dont charge gst on one off expensive imports, eg your leathers, but bring two sets in and you will probably get walloped.
It doesnt matter how you get it sent in. The courier companies and the post office only act as agents if customs decide to charge gst or duty. You can save the brokerage fees by sorting it yourself but usually not worth the trouble.
Has anyone advised you to do the really tricky thing guaranteed to fool customs? ask the seller to make an invoice for $100. Customs have never seen this trick before. They fall for it everytime.

[YellowDog]

I can't believe that. Sounds like negative propaganda to stop you importing!

[Renegade]

interesting, i just ordered a caberg v2r helmet from the UK, $355 NZ, hope i dont get stung cos that will suck, guess ill wait and see.