On Fri, 30 Mar 2001, Orlando Andico wrote:
> Thanks. Does the FedEx rate include customs charge? what is the usurious
> policy in this misbegotten country? if you buy something from Amazon, does
> customs get a cut somewhere?
Orly,
I suspect that this is where the rubber meets the road...when I imported a
very small radio some years back, the customs charge was around 85% of the
declared value. The only saving grace was that I am friendly with the
customs people. They realized that for the price they where going to
charge me, I was ready to not accept the package. I ended up paying 85%
of what ** I ** thought the radio was worth - half what the sender had
indicated. I have heard horror stories about people bringing in used
computers (XT class) and being charged duties in excess of the value of
the item to them. So be cautious. A quick check with a courier, fedex or
even GPO should give you the official rate. Then you have to see what you
can do to keep the declared value down.
I'm curious if people bringing in books have the same problem. I have
received a few small boxes of used books and been warned that if I
continue to do so, they will be charged taxes. The people at the Post
Office told me that if I am bringing in books for non-profit uses that
I can get a DECS certification for exclusion from duties. I suspect there
is a similar possibility for computers. This doesn't apply to
individuals, but may be an avenue worth investigation.
In the end, paying excess backage for a friend to bring in such items as
accompanied backage may be best if you can swing it. Last time I came in,
an accompanied excess bag cost $100 so long as it did not exceed the
baggage size limit.
Bob Williams <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Trillium Technologies Ent.
General Santos City, Philippines
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