[SOLD] Customs shipping to Paris

[John Brennick]

Hello all,

So I recently did a transaction and was given the shipping charges that the buyer was responsible for. Everything was smooth, transaction completed successfully and we're good to go. I sold 3 64 gb ssds, 1 read and shipping, for a total of 1466.70. I sent it through the shipping dept from my employer at Digital Domain and I'm told by them they just got a bill for $320.29 from ups for Government Charges. Is that VAT? I've never dealt with international transactions and I have a feeling I just paid a pretty hefty price tag for this education. Any idea how this works? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

Best,

-John Brennick

 

[Demetri Zuev]

This looks like an import tax that is applied in any country to goods which nominal cost exceeds a certain amount (each country determines this amount as it sees fit). I bought an Arri FF-5 unit from a UK guy here and UPS asked me to pay customs fees according to US rates before I could receive the package.

I don't see why you should pay anything, it is a common rule that any import taxes on the buyer's side should be paid solely by the buyer. It is written in every online store rules and is a general rule of thumb with personal international sales.

They should contact UPS and ask them what exactly are these charges for and if it is indeed an import tax they should pay it themselves or refuse the package and it will be returned. It is their responsibility to be aware of their country's customs rules, not yours.

 

[John Brennick]

Thank you for that Demetri! That actually helps a lot! I appreciate you taking the time to respond! I'll call UPS tomorrow and see what they say. Thanks again!

-J