import charges

[family_gj_aj_dd]

Hello All,  Have noticed lately there are import charges on international purchases. Payable in the currency of the country you are buying from.  This is in addition to the Global shipping program charges.  

Australia does not have import charges for items under 1000$.  Have been having to pay these charges for items under

200$.  Thought it was the GST  under the guise of Import Charges.  But this works out far more than the 10% GST Australia now has on international purchases. 

Vouchers/ coupons are also not available for the length of time stated. Had one that was supposed to be available until the 8th of July.

It disappeared today, the 6th July.  

[davewil1964]

If you consider the thread needs bumping, perhaps you could actually write something. And wait more than a few hours after the previous attempt.

[fat_boy_phil]

HI,

I have just been slugged for the first time with import charges from the US to Australia. All I bought was a couple of pairs of socks which cost $70AUD.

I'm not sure why 3 pairs of socks would cost $25.91AUD to ship but I accept that postage from the US can be expensive. 

However, I was shocked to see I have also been charged $15.81AUD for 'Import Charge', which is more than the 10% GST I was thinking it was for.

Is this right? Or legal ?

Should I make further enquiries?

Suddenly my 3 pairs of socks cost me $117 😞

Thanks

___________________________

Order total
Subtotal AU $70.04

PostageAU $25.91

Import charges AU $15.81

Total

AU $111.77

[fat_boy_phil]

And I have just noticed that in another order from the US on the same day - from another seller, I have been charged GST which I see as correct.

So I'm wondering if there is different import charges laws for different sellers? I'm confused about the whole thing 😞

Order total

Subtotal AU $47.50
Postage AU $7.28
GST* AU $5.49

[padi*0409]

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@fat_boy_phil wrote:


So I'm wondering if there is different import charges laws for different sellers? I'm confused about the whole thing 😞

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No, I suspect that the first order came through the "Global Shipping Progarm" where Pitney Bowes have their own charge for collecting the GST, and the second was shipped directly to you by the seller and the GST is taken by eBay itself.

[gutterpunkz05]

Maybe the forums need  a big bold sticky at the top of each board  Import Info - GST is payable on postage

[countessalmirena]

... and... if only buyers were aware of the specifics of the legislation, if they read the legislation, they'd understand that they wouldn't have to pay GST on the postage for low-value imported goods if they purchase directly from overseas sellers who aren't required to be registered for GST and who send directly to the buyer's Australian address!

This post by digital*ghost addresses the issue of GST on postage for low-value imported goods. And this post is a much less concise overview of GST on postage for low-value imported goods, including who pays them and what happens when Pitney Bowes (the logistics company working with eBay to provide the Global Shipping Program aka GSP) are involved.

[fat_boy_phil]

ok, thanks.

[colinaska]

Just noticed that it is around 33 percent...**bleep**??

[padi*0409]

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@colinaska wrote:
Just noticed that it is around 33 percent...**bleep**??

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It is 10% if you buy through eBay, however if you have bought from either the UK or the US and the seller is shipping through the GSP it can come up to around that figure, since Pitney Bowes (GSP) charges fees for collecting the GST for the ATO, plus their handling charges etc.

[4channel]

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@bennyblackwell wrote:

Blame Gerry Havey of Harvey Norman retailers and his Liberal Party mates - they accepted the donations year on year and then closed the door on competition through this heinous charge. I make sure I NEVER give them a single dollar now, even if I can't avoid import charges.

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Well said beenyblackwell. You said it "true" and told it "how it is". Kudos to you. 100%!!!!!

Cheers 4channel