Seeking info on sellers

[karthick_ganapathy]

<p>Hi All,<br>

I am from UK, I am planning to buy EF 17-40 and 70-200 4L the non IS. In UK I feel they are quiet expensive compared to adorama US. If one of my friend from US buys it and sends it to me as gift through courier would I still be charged customs and VAT? if that is the case this way doesnt prove to be any less expense..Has anyone done this before?<br>

I also have a friend coming from singapore..Do you have any suggestion on singapore online stores ?</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

GK</p>

[angel_bocanegra]

<p>I did the reverse. I had a friend in Europe send me a couple of bottles of absinth, the one with the worm wood as a gift and declared in customs as olive oil bottles. No problems, no fees. It depends on your luck, I am guessing for a small box with lens will be no problem.</p>

[kev_400d]

<p>I'm not sure it is prudent to ask for advice on tax avoidance on a public forum.</p>

[fmueller]

<p>Customs charges VAT on the sum of the value the person who posts the item writes on the customs declaration plus the shipping charges. If the total is under a certain threshold, you pay nothing. It's not cost effective for customs to check parcels to see if the declared customs value is reasonable. I've never heard of them doing that, but of course if they did, you might be in a bit of a pickle.</p>

<p>I don't think it matters at all if the item is declared as a gift. Also, if somebody brought the lens into the country in his luggage, the same rules would apply. Strictly speaking, you have to declare all items you bought overseas and pay VAT, but it's not a widely enforced rule in most countries.</p>

[mike_hitchen]

<p>In my experience, goods in Singapore are not much cheaper than in the UK unless you are really good at haggling. Check the prices first then add about 30% for duty/VAT - that is the total that it might cost you if it comes through customs.<br>

And as far as I am aware, even second hand goods and gifts get charged duty and VAT. I googled 'import duty second hand goods' and came up with:<br>

<a href="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD1_028719&propertyType=document">http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD1_028719&propertyType=document</a></p>

<p>Also bear in mind that if you buy it in UK and something goes wrong you can just take it back to the shop. If it comes from Singapore, what do you do? Is the saving worth it? Peace of mind is worth something.</p>

[kenn_lau]

<p>Hi GK,</p>

<p>If you'll refer here for typical retail prices in SG (http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518391), the EF 17-40mm/f4L USM would range between GBP 422-506 and the EF 70-200mm/f4L USM between GBP 422-486, assuming a currency exchange rate of GBP 1 = SGD 2.37.</p>

<p>You would also find a list of retailers on the same page, with their email addresses. I'd say, personally, that Cathay Photo, Alan Photo and John 3:16 are very friendly folks. They'd reply your emails quick regarding any enquiries you would have. </p>

<p>Cheers and have a good weekend.</p>

[jonny_mac]

<p>You are charged customs and VAT because that is the law in your country. Here's a website for you:<br>

<a href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/ContactOrDealWithHMRC/DG_10010579">http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/ContactOrDealWithHMRC/DG_10010579</a><br>

Why are we discussing tax evasion? Yes, I know it is tempting and maybe the UK's tax system is burdensome, but you chose to live there and reap the benefits such as "free" healthcare and the like that you pay with your taxes. Quit trying to cheat your government. I'm guessing that other threads like "how do I get a free torrent copy of photoshop" and such would be deleted so I'm not sure why this nonsense is here. Moderators?</p>