do i have to pay import duty on second hand goods?

Question

ok so i bought a paslode nail gun on e bay from america. i live in ireland. the post office say i have to pay import duty on it but i was told that you don't have to pay import duty on second hand goods, is this true?

what if i was to say it was a friends nail gun and he no longer needed it or was moving over here and i was minding it for him

Answer 1

This is a mattter of European Union law.

Usually used goods are imported as a gift, or as being "returned to owner" and generally the value is below the duty threshold.

Here is the official rule (this is from the UK Customs Web site, but the rule is the same, in principle, in the Republic of Ireland):

"3.2 Is duty charged on used goods?

"Used goods are still liable to the same duty and VAT charges as if they were new. However, their value may vary depending on their age and condition."

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&propertyType=document&id=HMCE_CL_000014#P130_11914

You can always appeal the assessment.

In most countries, the cost of shipment is added to the dutiable value of goods in calculation of tax. VAT is then added on to that total. (In the USA freight cost is not added on, and there is no VAT; the buyer should pay "use tax" in lieu of state sales tax, typically (these days, for consumers) self-reporting in connection with the annual state income tax return.)

Answer 2

In UK (I dont know in Ireland), you MIGHT have to pay import duty if the post officer believes your good is brand new. It is your duty to prove that they are really second hand goods. My tactic is to make a small damage on the goods and it works. Dont tell anybody it is I who say that.

Answer 3

In most countries you do, but if it's second hand and you've got documentation showing how old it is, you pay a depreciated amount...Call the Irish PO and ask them about depreciation and for a copy of the regulation if they claim no depreciation. Ireland might be one of those money hungry countries that taxes full amount on everything...good luck.

Answer 4

Sorry dude, never heard that one.
I used to work for a company in London import/export.
Was the gas cartridge shipped seperately? or the battery?
Just thinking they can sting you for importing hazordous goods.

Your best bet is to check with ebay.

If its a framing passlode it'll be the best buy you've made they don't half eat the work up.

Answer 5

No, all goods imported into the UK have to pay VAT and duty regardless of its status unless it has no commercial value which in your case would not apply as it could be sold on.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Yes you have to pay import duty in Ireland,second hand or not.The postman will tell you how much when he delivers.