The amount seems to be VAT. According to EU (EC) rules, VAT has
to be paid at the point of crossing the EU border for goods meant
for selling to customers. For calculating the taxed value, the
cost of shipment to the border is INCLUDED. If shipment from the
border to the destination within EU (EC) is NOT declared, the
complete shipment cost is valuable for tax calculation.
If you bought the Neo for business reasons, you can get back the
VAT (but you already knew that, don't you?).
If you are "end" customer you ALWAYS have to pay VAT (if the value
exempts tax-free allowance). For PRIVATE customers there are NO
exemptions. In addition to that, if you import stuff yourself,
you have to pay the VAT yourself also.
When UPS called me for clearance (they checked that I was willing
to pay the VAT), I checked with the local custom office and got
the explanation I cited here.
Your milage may vary.
Regards
Karsten
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Thomas:
Actually, speaking as someone who imports electronic components and
peripherals for prototype systems from the US all the time, I do know
what to expect when I import.
Importation of computer devices and peripherals to the EU is indeed both
VAT and import duty exempt - it appears that the description of the
goods, compounded with the value statement, has led to this issue. It is
indeed OpenMoko's error in not understanding the rules and I hold them
responsible for not disclosing that fact.
When I can import USD$50,000 prototypes for computer peripheral units
without paying VAT and without paying import duty, I expect to be able
to do the same for a USD$450 prototype.
Not to get into a flame war but, for your reference, VAT is 17.5% in the
UK....and I ordered the Advanced...
Have fun!
David.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* Thomas Gstädtner [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
*Sent:* 03 August 2007 13:12
*To:* David Prior
*Cc:* [email protected]
*Subject:* Re: Import Duty - I have refused my delivery.
Well, you chose to live in the wrong country (or the wrong continent).
You should know what expects you if YOU IMPORT a device.
This is not the fault of OpenMoko (Inc.).
Also there is no duty on computing devices and mobile phones in the EU -
so I guess you are wrong.
GBP60 sounds like VAT (15.5% in UK), seems you have ordered the basic
device, so this IS VAT, no duty!
VAT is levied by your country, not by FIC/OpenMoko and if you chose to
import you WILL have to pay VAT every time - and the one you import from
doesn't have to find out for you how much it is (as it is charged by the
customs, not by the company).
2007/8/3, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>>:
Just thought you all might like to know that OpenMoko shipments are
attracting import duty in the United Kingdom.
Despite paying USD104.99 for 'expedited' shipping, my order arrived
with a demand for GBP57.19 in import duty. This should either be
factored into the shipping charge or, as these devices are
technically 'computer peripherals', described as 'computer
peripherals' in order that they do not attract import duty.
I have REFUSED my delivery and it is being returned to the depot
and, presumably, will be returned to sender.
I either want a new shipment that does not attract import duty *or*
I want a full refund.
I know these are developer releases but I would have hoped that
OpenMoko would have sorted out the international shipping issues
properly.
I'm annoyed!
David.
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