Importing headphones + Customs

[MrGreen]

Aussie bloke 'ere.
Wondering what customs will do to NIB headphones imported from america (if theyll take it at all): how long itll take and how much it will cost
Headphone in question has leather and metal.

 

[catachresis]

My general understanding of Customs (U.S., Canada, Ireland, UK) is that they calculate duty according to the item's declared value. Sometimes they add the cost of shipping--especially if you're using luxurious international express shipping service. It's hard to explain to customs that the used headphones are only worth $25.00 if the FedEx shipping invoice shows transport costs as $78.00 with an insured item value of $500.00.

If you buy used, you can usually request that the seller fill out the customs form *appropriately* so that you do no incur a huge tariff. If you order retail and have it shipped, most retailers are scrupulously honest about declaring the item's value and establishing that it is a retail sale. Then it's up to your national customs agent to calculate the damages.

 

[MrGreen]

Got any idea on an estimate of the custom fees for us/canda/ireland/uk for ~500 USD?
edit: "All goods (except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) may be imported duty and tax free if their value is $1,000 or less."

For australia.

 

[mythless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGreen /img/forum/go_quote.gif Got any idea on an estimate of the custom fees for us/canda/ireland/uk for ~500 USD? edit: "All goods (except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages) may be imported duty and tax free if their value is $1,000 or less." For australia.

so anything less than $1000 AUD will be exempted from import duty and tax, you lucky dog!

 

[Lorentz]

It's true. And even after $1000, they just may let you go.