Forums Latest Members
  1. sumerian Gold Constellation Magpie Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,026
    Likes
    558
    Just wanted to know what kind of complications do we run into if we buy a watch from EU nations (Germany)?

    I was looking for a watch in Germany and the seller want to declare the full price.

    How much do i have to pay the customs? don't want to deal if it is too much of a hassle.

    Your suggestions and opinions are greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    26,748
    Likes
    32,464
    It matters more what your local rules are, because that's where you'll be paying customs etc
     
  3. Kringkily Omega Collector / Hunter Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    5,505
    Likes
    4,781
    Depends for watches I know customs charges standard 8.5% for watches and may slightly vary with metal, number of jewels, etc. FedEx and UPS typically collect. USPS very seldomly and DHL no clue.
     
  4. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    15,047
    Likes
    23,789
    If he sends it express mail, probably nothing.
     
  5. sumerian Gold Constellation Magpie Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,026
    Likes
    558
    Wow thanks a lot for the quick replies.

    Its 18k gold watch.
    Express Mail ? is that a mail service in Germany? or is it just a type of service?
     
  6. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    26,748
    Likes
    32,464
    Its called different things in different countries but its called EMS: http://www.ems.post/

    In the US its USPS Express international, in Australia its AusPost Express etc

    Germany will have its own name for EMS but its all EMS
     
  7. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    7,346
    Likes
    24,028
    DHL is the German Post, and it is very reliable with tracking. It works with USPS for American shipments. Express would be far more expensive.

    I've received dozens of watches from Europe, and don't recall ever having had to pay customs duties.
     
  8. sumerian Gold Constellation Magpie Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,026
    Likes
    558
    Got it
     
  9. JM251 Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    477
    Likes
    1,317
    Dhl collects for US customs. Sometimes they collect other times not I've heard. paid about 5% once.
     
  10. sumerian Gold Constellation Magpie Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,026
    Likes
    558

    Did you use DHL all the times?
     
  11. sumerian Gold Constellation Magpie Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,026
    Likes
    558
    Thanks for the update.
     
  12. Pahawi Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    1,150
    Likes
    3,360
    Feel free to pm me if you need any EU to US (or whereever you're located) shipping assistance.
     
  13. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    7,346
    Likes
    24,028

    I have used DHL almost every time from Germany. Very good service.
     
  14. silviogo Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    82
    Likes
    20
    Lucky boy if I import from US to eu (italy) I'll pay 35%
     
  15. Mark020 not the sharpest pencil in the ΩF drawer Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    4,608
    Likes
    6,468
    +1. If you do it by the rules that is.
     
  16. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Oct 2, 2014

    Posts
    5,753
    Likes
    2,903
    +1, it is 40% plus in Indonesia :(.
     
  17. ChrisN Oct 3, 2014

    Posts
    2,218
    Likes
    4,755
    And I thought we had it bad at 22% in Spain unless under about $80 when they don't bother.
     
  18. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Oct 4, 2014

    Posts
    3,185
    Likes
    3,774
    The threshold in the UK is £85, below that no duty is payable.
     
  19. rolexfantastic Oct 4, 2014

    Posts
    383
    Likes
    148
    EMS is the equivalent of USPS Priority air mail (and is delivered by USPS). It may be subject to imports if the value is declared in US currency.
     
  20. Patrick Dixon How do these messages get here? Oct 4, 2014

    Posts
    236
    Likes
    113
    Yes but you will pay VAT at 20% on the value including postage costs, plus a processing fee (typically around £15), if it's over £18 (or £36 if it's a 'gift').