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I did a forum search and didn't find anything comprehensively addressing my question.

I'm buying a used rig from a guy in Germany (I'm in the US). We've agreed upon a price in Euros which will include shipping. However, he raised the concern about Customs fees/Import tarriffs/additional taxes.

Since this is not the sale of new gear, is this something I have to worry about?

More importantly, how can I avoid such additional fees?

I saw one post that suggested that we frame the situation that I sent the rig to Germany for "repair" and it's simply being returned to me. Anyone know if a tactic like this works?

A couple years ago, I left my skydiving rig in Israel and had a friend ship it to me. Only paid the shipping costs as there was nothing additional tacked on. Not sure why (didn't ask questions, just glad I didn't pay extra).

Thanks in advance,

Brian

you won't be charged any import duties.

however, if you are getting it shipped with anything other than the postal service (i.e. FedEx/UPS/DHL), you are very likely to be responsible for "customs clearing"- which is a charge imposed by the courier, not the customs agency. It's their bureaucratic paper pushing fee.

What usually happens when you have something (new) shipped INTO Germany, they will charge you "Value Added Tax" (VAT). That's a sort of tax a lot of US States do not have at all, and in the others it's significantly less than in Germany. And no, the tax does not add any value. So what they do in Germany is that they charge you VAT (19%, or sometimes the difference between the tax you already paid and the German VAT). This is where the concern of your seller most likely comes from.

Shipping something TO the US, if there is no import duty on German goods in general (I would have never heard of it), you should not have to pay anything. But check with your nearest customs office. In case they do not know Germany, it is unlikely that they will charge you anything

Blue skies,
flummi

The VAT siuation applies to the EU in general. And in holland there is like a € 47 administrative fee to it, regardless of the amount of VAT. That kind of s*cks.

Ronald

No worries, European friends. Our current president will have the United States' citizens paying a VAT in no time!

Can't remember if you're living in SoCal or if we met by chance in Perris. i'm flying to LAX at least once a month, can carry a rig if you're interested.

Fabien.

/Edit to add:/...and not too in a rush to lay your hands on it.

Fabien,

Thanks for the generous offer.

I was in SoCal, but I'm in NorCal now.

I had the rig shipped, listed as "used climbing gear" (tip from someone I trust). Will post if that worked or not.

Brian