Thread: Attention European Members - Hone Rental

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

One thing I forgot, have you taken into account, the possibility of customs taxes? Not sure how taxes work in the EU, but in my mind I am thinking, sending it from country to country within the EU will end up with a customs tax.

Just a thought. Obviously you will know better on that subject.

From country to country within the EU, no, but the first time in might trigger a tax. It all depends on the declared value. What's an old, chipped and banged-up stone worth?

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

When my daughter sends me stuff from home, it's never taxed, probably because it isn't packaged like it came from a company. If it's professionally packed with a shipping document in a plastic envelope, etc., it's sure to attract attention from customs.

Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge

I think if you label it a "gift" they can't tax it, but I don't know for sure.

I always write gift, but in the EU a number of folks have been taxed. One time, I got requested an invoice for Germany, even though I had sent hones there no probs. Switzerland require a invoice that gets filled out at the post office. So in other words, gift does 1/10 sweet FA.

Originally Posted by Chimensch

When my daughter sends me stuff from home, it's never taxed, probably because it isn't packaged like it came from a company. If it's professionally packed with a shipping document in a plastic envelope, etc., it's sure to attract attention from customs.

Usually packed in a brown cardboard box. I imaging its the packing slip, or company that gets attention.

We'll just have to make sure your the first to get the hone then Chimensch.

You have to be careful with the 'gift' thing because if they catch you doing that, you can get severe penalties. This is why e.g. Tony Miller doesn't do that. You're effectively commiting fraud, and because you use the postal system to do so, they can really nail you.
Belgium doesn't care much, but I read that in the US and the UK they are really starting to pay attention to this backdoor.

How your package gets treated depends country per country.

Please read articles 29, 30 and 31 here. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Viktor