USA Freight forwarding recommendations / GST & Import charges?

kiwijunglist on 02/05/2024 - 18:01

Hi

Looking to import a small children's bike from USA/EU (probably USA).
~6.3 kg - 111 x 59 x 17.5 cm
The cost of the bike is ~450-500 USD

https://shippingxps.com and https://www.reship.com are reviewed okay and have the best prices.

Shippingxps
USPS International Priority - 215 USD
DHL - 216 USD
FedEx International Connect Plus - 216

Reship
PostNL - 197 USD

Customs state that if the item (excl shipping) is <$1000 then it is not subject to tax.

I've heard in the past that sometimes the courier companies force you to pay customs/tax regardless of the amount.
Do you know if I am likely to have a better experience with any of the courier companies above in terms of avoiding tax and fees.

Thanks
Kiwi

General Discussion

Comments

  • kiwical on 03/05/2024 - 07:30

    Haven't used those suppliers. Don't forget to factor in internal US sales tax as well with some re-shippers.

    I've used youshop for hundreds? of purchases. Have never been charged any additional GST. Because it's thru NZPost so generally easier to contact if issues. Generally more expensive though. No internal (US) tax ever paid. I believe this is because the reshipper is based in Ohio.

    I've used Myus for about 12 purchases. Cheaper than youshop but I've twice been charged GST by the courier even when already paid. Have to send invoices etc to Myus and they didn't refund me the GST, just added it as a credit on their website. So I'm locked into using them again to use the credit even if I don't want to use them again. Usually no internal tax is paid, but from a couple of suppliers I was.

    • RockCartel on 03/05/2024 - 07:38

      Youshop now charges GST & $55 tariff for items $400-$1000
      https://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/you-shop/pricing

      GST, Import Duty & Customs fees
      All items purchased from overseas and shipped to your You Shop address will have 15% GST applied before it is sent to NZ.
      As a re-deliverer, You Shop collects this tax on behalf of the New Zealand government when you pay for shipping into NZ.
      Note: 15% GST will be charged on the total value of your goods and on You Shop’s service fees. Check the GST on low value imported goods.

      Parcels valued between NZ$400 and NZ$1,000
      NZ Customs require a tariff item classification if your parcel or consignment is valued between NZ$400 and NZ$1,000. You Shop will conduct the tariff classification for a fee of NZ$55.00 incl GST per parcel

  • Sickman on 03/05/2024 - 09:24

    Usgobuy has been good for me. But last purchase using them was 2 years ago

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