Charging GST on low value imported goods into Australia

[chriss2804]

Hello.

Why does Ebay charge Australian GST on low value, international, private seller to private buyer goods imported into Australia?

GST is not payable on second hand private sales/purchases within Australia, and I cannot find any reference to the requirement to charge GST on private imports.

Is Ebay acting inappropriately, or even illegally?

If there is an ATO ruling, can you provide the specific reference. A general reference to the ATO webiste is insufficient due to the ambiguity and complexity of the Tax Act and Regulations.

Thanks!

[chriss2804]

ok. I'll accept that and noted. cheers

[chriss2804]

Thanks countessa. i looked at your links. Thank you. they confirm obviously the reasons why to my question, but it also confirms that private sales in Australia are treated differently to private overseas sales where the item is then imported ie via the EDP. ive bought hundreds of items on ebay from the US and never asked for the invoice to be falsified. its interesting that an item on ebay is listed as either new or used so in a perfect system this could be the arbiter for the application of gst. sadly not of course according to the legislation. Anyway thanks again. im signing off now. Cheers