Sorry for the late reply--I'm on vacation and sporadically reading my e mails.
I'll address this to not only Tom but to anyone else who is thinking of
exporting or importing photo equipment or any other goods. I spent nearly 20
years as a U.S. Customs Broker so I feel confident in giving you some good
general information. Specifics are always the responsibility of the parties to
the transaction and the rules of their respective countries.
First, importing and exporting is not rocket science but it does require the
invovlement of someone who knows how to go about it. I can't tell you how many
times I received calls from someone who was holding a "bag of parts" so to
speak. You can do it yourself but you'd better know what you're doing. Even
exporting particular items to particular countries can get a U.S. exporter in
trouble with the U.S. authorities. Individuals and corporations are
essentially subject to the same import and export restrictions and potential
penalties.
Second, in the case of exporting from the U.S. I really wouldn't advise
declaring sold goods as a gift. True, it may sneak by many times but the one
time your goods are seized will cause untold grief for your buyer and you that
could end up with the buyer asking for his money back because YOU did not
prepare the paperwork properly in accordance with his country's requirements.
Same concept applies if you're importing into the U.S. Simply put, accurately
describe the goods and the sales cost. Shipping, if known, should be listed as
a separate line item.
Third, there are fees associated with international shipping and customs
clearance. Deal with it. Do you have a problem paying John or Clint for their
services and expertise? Do you have a problem paying a plumber to fix things
that are beyond your competency level? There is an easier way to accomplish
and export or import and that is to use FEDEX, UPS or DHL. They will handle
not only the physical transporation and insurance but the customs formalities
as well. They should be able to advise you as to the requirements of the
particular transaction and of the various terms of sale you can use. E.G., You
can make the buyer responsible for the shipping and customs clearance or you
can make him responsible for just the clearance and duties. Of course, nobody
rides for free. Whatever the buyer is not responsible for on his end should be
collected by you in advance. Simplest way to ship is to sell F.O.B. your
shipping point and let the buyer take care of the rest. As stated before, this
can apply as well if you are the importer. Basically, the importer should be
responsible for knowing what his duty and customs clearance cost should be.
Fourth, the EU, the U.S. and other countries some time back agreed on a
harmonized tariff classification system. What this means is that a camera or
lens will have the same tariff number in the participating countries. The rate
of duty could vary from country to country. And, as you all have already
discussed, there is that VAT factor which is something I never had to deal with
in imports to this country. I don't know if a European importer can get around
or get a refund of VAT, but again, that is THEIR responsibility to know if they
choose to import into their country.
Lastly, get on EBAY and send mails to sellers who indicate they ship
worldwide. Ask them for advice, information and recommendations. I've found
that most Ebayer's I've written have been more than friendly and helpful about
whatever the questions concerned.
Sorry to go on so long. However, if buyers and sellers wish to expand their
markets they need to tread knowlegeably and carefully. As U.S. Customs advises
travellers: Know Before You Go.
Happy selling and buying.
Gary
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