Thanks, everyone for the feedback!
All the talks of duties and VAT had me go on a research frenzy call me crazy but I actually love detailed research on laws and regulations.
So far, my research indicates that (this posting does not constitute legal advice in any way or an offer of legal representation):
1) items classified under subpart 9506.29.00.80 (watersports equipment, other) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are free from duties (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw2bpbyRdPtSMkppHxRsPrUR) unless brought in from China, North Korea, or Cuba. Unfortunately, I could not find a direct reference to 'SCUBA' or 'underwater' in the HTS and this is the most relevant classification that I can find so far.
2) items brought into the US that are <$800 in value are considered de minimis imports and are exempt from duties (Section 321 Programs | U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
3) there appears to be a mechanism for being exempt from VAT when the items are being sent outside of the jurisdiction but it requires a fair amount of paperwork. Probably worth it though at the 21% VAT in the country which I am considering.
Did anyone that purchased scuba gear from foreign websites need to pay duties? How about VAT?
Also, does anyone have firm advice on warranties provided by Scubapro, assuming that the site is an authorized dealer?
Thank you!
All the talks of duties and VAT had me go on a research frenzy call me crazy but I actually love detailed research on laws and regulations.
So far, my research indicates that (this posting does not constitute legal advice in any way or an offer of legal representation):
1) items classified under subpart 9506.29.00.80 (watersports equipment, other) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are free from duties (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw2bpbyRdPtSMkppHxRsPrUR) unless brought in from China, North Korea, or Cuba. Unfortunately, I could not find a direct reference to 'SCUBA' or 'underwater' in the HTS and this is the most relevant classification that I can find so far.
2) items brought into the US that are <$800 in value are considered de minimis imports and are exempt from duties (Section 321 Programs | U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
3) there appears to be a mechanism for being exempt from VAT when the items are being sent outside of the jurisdiction but it requires a fair amount of paperwork. Probably worth it though at the 21% VAT in the country which I am considering.
Did anyone that purchased scuba gear from foreign websites need to pay duties? How about VAT?
Also, does anyone have firm advice on warranties provided by Scubapro, assuming that the site is an authorized dealer?
Thank you!