Internet Shopping Import Duties

[pookienuffnuff]

Tried searching previous forums but didnt find anything so apologies if I am repeating something.
I like to buy stuff from back in UK and have it delivered here (NZ). Not only is stuff cheaper but theres more choice. I am not importing stuff commercially.
I am importing personal effects for personal use and all goods are duty paid (in country of origin).
Now in most countries I understand this is perfectly alright...if duty is paid in country of purchase and its for personal use there is no charge to bring it in.
BUT it seems that NZ customs are wanting to slap a load of import duties, taxes and spurious charges onto such purchases/imports (if they choose to allocate its worth above $60 regardless of any invoice/receipt).

I am trying to find out how this can be legal...where does their legislation say they can make such charges on personal items?

I am happy to abide by laws if those laws are real and in writing and enacted by due democratic process and fair and equitable. But I have been unable to find a copy of those that pertain to these 'rules' that are being enforced (at random apparently) by NZ customs.

Can anyone point me towards the legislation for this please?

Their website is neither user friendly nor detailed enough...

many thanks

[carosapien]

Hi there. There was a discussion about this a little time ago with some useful information.

What are some popular NZ retailers?

[pookienuffnuff]

Thanks, tried that one, doesnt really answer my questions. I would like to know how the actions being taken are strictly legal. I would like to see the actual legislation they are using. Of course their website doesnt tell you how to avoid this and where it doesnt apply. Its crazy that they can apply this randomly, choose their own value, ignore receipts, and set a rate so low its frankly ensuring no-one can buy anything outside (over priced through lack of competition) NZ. If we are not importers (ie selling stuff on) then I do not beleive this type of action is legal. But as I say...happy to pay if I can read the legislation in black and white and know its not just some govt department making it up as they go along/feel like it just to bring in extra cash. I have wroked for such departments...its not unheard of until someone challenges them.

[topcat83]

You can do it, but if the value is over a certain amount, you'll be slapped with GST and import duty. I'm still smarting from a shipment of clothes from Marks & Sparks (cost including delivery of £140 GBP) which ended up costing me an extra $80 NZD. Hmph!

See New Zealand Customs Service : Items coming into NZ

[toadsurfer]

Variety of legislation including GST Act 1985 and Customs and Excise Act 1996. Have a look at s12 GST Act as a starting point.

[carosapien]

Originally Posted by pookienuffnuff

Thanks, tried that one, doesnt really answer my questions. I would like to know how the actions being taken are strictly legal. I would like to see the actual legislation they are using. Of course their website doesnt tell you how to avoid this and where it doesnt apply. Its crazy that they can apply this randomly, choose their own value, ignore receipts, and set a rate so low its frankly ensuring no-one can buy anything outside (over priced through lack of competition) NZ. If we are not importers (ie selling stuff on) then I do not beleive this type of action is legal. But as I say...happy to pay if I can read the legislation in black and white and know its not just some govt department making it up as they go along/feel like it just to bring in extra cash. I have wroked for such departments...its not unheard of until someone challenges them.

I suppose they interpret the law as best they can and will continue to do so until someone challenges them in court.

It's annoying though when you've already paid sales tax overseas and then get stung again when you import it into New Zealand. The IRD obviously thinks there's an untapped resource there for them.

A few years ago they were threatening to keep tabs on Trade Me sellers to make sure they weren't earning an income from their sales, with international purchases becoming more popular in New Zealand they're obviously revisiting the whole subject afresh.

It's hard to get a break

[toadsurfer]

Don't know why everyone gets excited by this. The UK, and most other countries in the world, have similar rules.

[topcat83]

Originally Posted by toadsurfer

Don't know why everyone gets excited by this. The UK, and most other countries in the world, have similar rules.

Very true. And I certainly think there are good reasons for customs and excise. I just got a bit carried away with the overseas credit card and forgot that it would probably be picked up.

It does seem to be at the whim of whichever NZ customs officer looks at it on the day though. It must be pretty obvious that a small package of socks and knickers and other single items is for personal use, and is not going to be sold on for a major profit!

[jawnbc]

Most countries have import duties: NZ is no different. They're always designed to achieve two things: offset tax revenue loss for international commerce and to protect local retailers.

Some overseas vendors will not charge VAT/GST/sales tax when shipping overseas: Amazon.co.uk comes to mind, even though amazon.fr still charges VAT. Most US states no longer have an online sales state sales tax exemption, so you will get double dinged.

There are a few solutions: 1.) don't shop online overseas, 2.) shop whilst out of the country and leverage your customs exemption, 3.) lobby your local MP to change the current law and policies, or 4.) LEAVE.

[pookienuffnuff]

Originally Posted by topcat83

You can do it, but if the value is over a certain amount, you'll be slapped with GST and import duty. I'm still smarting from a shipment of clothes from Marks & Sparks (cost including delivery of £140 GBP) which ended up costing me an extra $80 NZD. Hmph!

See New Zealand Customs Service : Items coming into NZ

still a bargain I think...quality clothing and no quibble returns ;-)