Cross border trade custom taxes

[kea5053]

Hi guys, do you guys have any ideas or experience for selling item to oversea? I've recently had a transaction that's going to Italy and the item will need to pay custom duty taxes in Italy and in order to make the delivery faster my courier service had paid the tax to release the shipment from custom. My buyer had noticed this and he refused to pay the custom taxes as he said he is not aware of the custom duty tax before he purchase and he will open a dispute if I'm not going to pay the taxes. I'm not sure what I should do as my item has a very thin margin and I don't know whether eBay or Paypal will protect buyer if he is not willing to pay the tax. Are you guys can share me some experience and advise me? Thank you

[lyndal1838]

In view of the fact that your courier has paid the Customs charges I doubt that there is much you can do about it.

I have never heard of this happening....which courier did you use?

In future you need to have a disclaimer on your listings that buyers are responsible for any Customs or Import charges levied by their country.

You really cannot bill them after the event and when you have paid the charges.

[kea5053]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes we are using DHL express and the system was paid it automatically. 26 pounds that charged by on VAT. If item was delivered and I will also lose in dispute? Thank you

[repentatleisure1952]

Perhaps members on the eBay.com boards may have some advice for you.

[enigmabear]

I was wondering ,as there was no mention of Australia in the opening post

[repentatleisure1952]

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@enigmabear wrote:

I was wondering ,as there was no mention of Australia in the opening post

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 The mention of "cross border" gave away their  location.

[kea5053]

Hi, I listed my listing in Australia and buyer should aware it is cross border trade. Yea, I'm Australian seller. 

[enigmabear]

Ahhhh. Ok, shows you are registered in America on the account you are posting on

Was the account you sold on registered in Australia ? 

[repentatleisure1952]

My apologies...thought you were  registered in the US...sorry I can't help with your predicament.

[kea5053]

Hi, no worries. Anyway thanks for your advise. Yea, that's my another account and It listed in Australia.