Re: [CR] Shipping and VAT taxes

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 11:03:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR] Shipping and VAT taxes
To: Mark Buswell <mark@sisuhome.com>, Classic Rendezvous Bike List <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <54039F36-3910-49B0-ABCB-094606C07A3E@sisuhome.com>


VAT should not apply. In most, if not all, EU countries exports to outside the EU are exempt from VAT in order to encourage exports which aid the exchange balance. As to import duty, the collection of this is very erratic, and seems to depend mostly on the carrier, and how the sender fills out the shipping papers. Often, the seller will specify contents as "used bicycle parts" which is in fact a truthful description of a classic frame, unless it is NOS. It seem US customs inspectors seldom bother trying to assess duty on used bicycle parts.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX

Mark Buswell <mark@sisuhome.com> wrote: Hi all.

I recently purchased a frame from Germany that will be sent via airmail.

How do I avoid a VAT/import tax when it arrives to me in the United States?

Thanks
Mark Buswell
San Francisco, CA
USA