Flying a preowned camera to Europe.

[Andri Peetso]

I'm currently looking to buy a Scarlet Dragon (used) and I'm only finding ones in the U.S.

Since I have an upcoming trip to L.A. anyway soon, I'm wondering, will I run into any problems when I buy a used camera there and try to exit the country with it?

 

[Nick Gardner]

Leaving, no. Coming into your country? Probably. If you don't get caught, then I guess you did good. If you declare it, you have to pay duties. If you get caught without declaring it, they may seize it. Depends on your local laws.

Nick

 

[Andri Peetso]

Even if it's used? What about if someone from the U.S. flies here with his camera.. E.g. A person's going on a trip to the EU and took his red with him. I Guess this shouldn't be a problem? Not that the idea's the most legal one...

 

[sam karr]

But what if you have to get your camera repaired? It will be sent to LA.

 

[Flo Eckhardt]

i think the biggest problem is you can´t add this purchase to your company expenses for taxes. also the chance of getting caught is there every time you will pass a boarder when travelling with the camera.

 

[Andri Peetso]

Yeah, that's a huge problem as I need this on my company. And I guess I'd have to pay the sales tax again, extra VAT and customs? I'll probably get an epic dragon instead as that's the only one ive seen in the EU right now.

 

[Michael J Brennan]

You can reclaim us sales tax.
"i think the biggest problem is you can´t add this purchase to your company expenses for taxes."

You can include second hand equipment on your accounts.

"Yeah, that's a huge problem as I need this on my company. And I guess I'd have to pay the sales tax again, extra VAT and customs? I'll probably get an epic dragon instead as that's the only one ive seen in the EU right now."


No requirement to pay tax twice. You pay uk/france ect tax and duty on entry.
Import duty of a few % isnt onerous. But sales tax (vat in uk) is around 10-15%. However this tax can be reclaimed if you a registered business.
If you are not registered you can reclaim it retrospectivly (there is a time limit).

if you do bring the camera in under the radar you will not legally be able to put it on a carnet at a later date.
There is a fluffy concept that "tools of trade" can be argued when travelling with a small amount of kit.
Ive always considered the legal relationship you have with a client whom is paying your airline ticket, unless you have agreed with them that you will not be liable for losses if the job is delayed you are takng a considerable risk.

Ive found customs law to be very easy to navigate, just telephone them and ask the question.
Mike Brennan

 

[Nick Gardner]

What about if someone from the U.S. flies here with his camera.. E.g. A person's going on a trip to the EU and took his red with him.

Then you have to have a Carnet. If you do not have a Carnet, most EU countries will seize your equipment until you post a cash bond for the full amount of the gear until you leave the country again. That's how import export works.

Nick

 

[Andri Peetso]

Do I have to pay the taxes according to the country I enter from the US in, or according to the country where I live? I will register it to a business so I can reclaim the VAT but the import duty is a bit confusing, I'll do some googleing. Thanks.

edit: Got a tip to order the camera in through red and discovered that the duties aren't at all too expensive. I'm going for this.

 

[JayEmm]

VAT in the UK is 20%.

Your kit needs a carnet - a passport of sorts. I believe it basically keeps track of your kit and makes sure that it exits the country.