Import Duty - Refund ?

[Wyn]

Long story short but just to be sure ..

Few mths back I paid for a set of new uprated Z drive shafts from the states .. all paid inc duty etc and received some time later no probs ... but
Turns out one shaft was wrong so I was just sent another new replacement shaft at no cost
But before it could be delivered I was charged again another customs charge for the replacement shaft
I got the mrs to phone the local del office today and they told her it was correct and I did need to pay the replacement shafts duty charge ?
Does that sound correct or should I pursue it again via a diffo office ?

btw, it was marked down as a replacement part - but with its full value

[Rob Gaskin]

Do you still have all the shafts?

I bought a 350Z CD player from the states and it was cheap but they up'd the price for insurance purposes and I paid duty on the value stated. I got a refund by showing my payment on ebay, not sure it that helps?

[Wyn]

Originally Posted by Rob Gaskin

Do you still have all the shafts?

If so I think you will struggle to get it refunded, but what did they base the Customs price on?

Yes I now have 3 shafts - 1 being wrong
Customs charge was on the receipt value of $500 !

[Mr.F]

Customs will always charge on stated value. The problem with getting the value marked down is that, in the case of loss or damage, insurance only pays the marked down price. Therefore, some companies won't mark down for their own protection.
There may be a case for a refund if you can prove that you have not paid anything for the replacement...
Good luck!

[Sean287]

Hi Wyn

I own an international courier company so I can shed some light on this for you. The original shaft that was incorrect should have been sent back to the supplier in the US. You could then provide proof of export (original customs entry and corresponding export entry) of the original item to HMRC and therefore claimed duty and tax relief. ie. Your original charge would be refunded. Unfortunately because you still have the original item customs will view the replacement part as a seperate import and therefore charge you tax and duites again.

All goods sent outside the EU for return and repair or as rejected imports are eligable for import tax and duty relief. Hope this helps.

[Mr.G]

Sadly, this all sounds so ridiculous and beaurocratic - not surprised though!!

Surely if the supplier can send a statement to Wyn, documenting the events then Wyn will have something to present to them. All the supplier needs to state is the order of events, ie I supplied X which was faulty I told the buyer I would replace free of charge and I did not need the faulty item back.

It will take a covering letter from you Wyn, stating your case to them along with your documentary proof which would include the statement from the supplier. A bit of hassle but well worth it when you consider the refund that I think you should be entititled too. It would be a serious injustice if you have to pay customs twice for this item, don't let them get away with it!