I just shipped a lens to a list member in Germany. UPS wouldn't take it without a declared value and the value had to match the amount I insured the lens for. Germany charged customs and duty of $55 on a $120 lens. I felt bad about this, but had no way of anticipating that it would happen. Paul
Cycad wrote: > Kostas, > > I've found that if the equipment is used, fairly old (ie not current model) > and labelled as such, the UK Customs and Excise don't take much interest. > > However, in theory you pay duty (I think about 3% on photographic gear) and > VAT at 17.5%. > > It's probably best to assume that you will pay duty/VAT, otherwise it can be > a nasty surprise. > > Cheers > > Andy > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Kostas Kavoussanakis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 1:15 PM > Subject: Buying from the US > > > > > I left my cards at home and cannot complete checkout on some items > > from a US dealer. I consider this an omen and ask those knowledgeable: > > the items cost about $120 and are reasonably light but bulky (OC flash > > equipment, as discussed in another thread). Will the customs take > > interest and at what tune? > > > > Thanks, > > Kostas > > > >

