Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

My brother came to visit us in the UAE last week. Left his phone in my house and didn't realise until he got to the aiport.

It was too late, so I sent it to him via DHL. Now German customs is trying to tax him 20% VAT plus import taxes.

Surely you don't have to pay tax on something you already own? I've googled but cant find any info. Can anyone help?

Re: Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

Original invoice? Probably not available but otherwise how do you expect the customs to know it's not just been ordered and posted over?

Re: Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

Trust the Germans to be ruthlessly efficient.

Is it obviously old? Might not be enough, even if so.
Has he got a receipt for it? That's the way to prove taxes have already been paid

Re: Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

Regard it as a tax on Forgetfulness. Just pay it ! Not worth the hassle !

Re: Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

Re: Customs duty into EU for own goods
 

All sorted. Customs asked for a copy of the flight booking and passport. Once they got that they released it without charge.