Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 241
Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Just got an Avis de Passage for a parcel that's arrived from my dad in the US - asshole Douanes have slapped a €195 tax on it!
It's Christmas gifts for my little girl! Anyone know if there is any way of getting out of this? I am pretty certain it's stuff from the outlet malls and there is NO way the value of the contents is €1000 to justify the 20% TVA.
It's Christmas gifts for my little girl! Anyone know if there is any way of getting out of this? I am pretty certain it's stuff from the outlet malls and there is NO way the value of the contents is €1000 to justify the 20% TVA.
#2
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 26,724
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Its a problem with almost anything you import from the US into the EU if it is picked up by the customs be it France, UK etc.
#4
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Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Had your dad filled out a customs declaration and stuck it to the parcel?
#5
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Sorry I don't know about France but both the UK and the USA have a value above which they charge - gifts included.
For the UK duty is charged on items which cost more than £135. VAT is charged on items costing more than £15.
I had a similar problem when I took a wedding gift to the USA.
For the UK duty is charged on items which cost more than £135. VAT is charged on items costing more than £15.
I had a similar problem when I took a wedding gift to the USA.
#7
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Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Several times a year might be the reason why it was picked up ??
#8
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 241
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Doubtful - I have just moved house and changed my name - I've had stuff arrive at my office, at the old house etc ... I think it's because there is a bottle of perfume and it's Christmas ...
I spoke to the post office today who said I could refuse it and it would be returned at no extra cost. €145 TVA on a bunch of stuff with a total value of €150 ... they said I could contest the charges but we all know how helpful and nice the douanes are!!
In the meantime my pressie is in the post office ... I will probably refuse it as I could take the €195 and buy quite a lot in France for that.. PFFFF
I spoke to the post office today who said I could refuse it and it would be returned at no extra cost. €145 TVA on a bunch of stuff with a total value of €150 ... they said I could contest the charges but we all know how helpful and nice the douanes are!!
In the meantime my pressie is in the post office ... I will probably refuse it as I could take the €195 and buy quite a lot in France for that.. PFFFF
#9
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Joined: Mar 2008
Location: SE Dordogne France
Posts: 982
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
#10
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
I just bought a watch from the US for my wife to give me (haha) as a Christmas gift.
I had to pay tax on it.
I had to pay tax on it.
#11
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Joined: Dec 2002
Location: texas
Posts: 910
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Next time, has tell him to order via Amazon Fr. That is how I order gifts for my parents in France.
#12
Re: Import Tax on a Christmas Present!!!!
Or from Amazon.co.uk as they often have a better selection but they don't always deliver to France.