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] <[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. ________________________________ This email and any files attached are intended for the addressee and may contain information of a confidential nature. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that this email was sent to you in error and you should not disclose, distribute, print, copy or make other use of this email or its attachments. Such actions, in fact, may be unlawful. In compliance with the various Regulations and Acts, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited reserves the right to monitor (and examine for viruses) all emails and email attachments, both inbound and outbound. Email communications and their attachments may not be secure or error- or virus-free and the company does not accept liability or responsibility for such matters or the consequences thereof. General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, Registered Office: 100 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6JA. Registered in England and Wales No: 1911653. _______________________________________________ OpenMoko community mailing list [email protected] http://lists.openmoko.org/mailman/listinfo/community This email and any files attached are intended for the addressee and may contain information of a confidential nature. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that this email was sent to you in error and you should not disclose, distribute, print, copy or make other use of this email or its attachments. Such actions, in fact, may be unlawful. In compliance with the various Regulations and Acts, General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited reserves the right to monitor (and examine for viruses) all emails and email attachments, both inbound and outbound. Email communications and their attachments may not be secure or error- or virus-free and the company does not accept liability or responsibility for such matters or the consequences thereof. General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, Registered Office: 100 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6JA. Registered in England and Wales No: 1911653.
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