custom's charges
 

Hello Everyone,
My son shipped our used hiking boots to us while we were in Europe on an extended trip. The total value written on the FedEx International Waybill was $50.00. I just received an invoice from FedEx for $27.43 for customs charges. Does this sound correct? When I called FedEx they said it was correct, just pay it. On the FedEx Demand Invoice it correctly lists my name and address but the ship to address is not the one I shipped to. It is still a Paris address but in arron 16 instead of 14. I don't know if this is correct and to pay it or what to do next. Do they charge on the shipping charges? These were about $70.00. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Michele

I can only tell you in Spain all items over about $100 (60 euros or so) coming from outside the EU are charged at 16%. This charge is also on top of the shipping charges (added to the declared/insured listed value of the item) to get the end amount to be TAXED.

It's only about 19Euros.. so it does sound right TO ME.

I assume they said "USED clothing.. " on the shipping note.
Not sure if it would have helped, but always a good idea.

I think a lot of people get around this by putting $0 value on the slip. I can't really tell you the pros and cons, or how well that works.

Or 'gift'.

When shipping used personal items you list the value as 0. Yes - that means you will not be reimbursed if they are lost - but you avoid paying customs. the risk is your choice.

The principle is this:

- the value, for Customs purposes, is the sum of the declared import value plus the shipping charges
- Import duty is charged on this (typically around 16% on shoes)
- VAT (varies from country to country, but usually around 15%) is then charged on the sum of thge cost, shipping and import duty)
- on top of which an admin fee is charged

Neither import duty nor VAT is chargeable on USED clothes. But the exporter (your son) described the boots wrongly, and Fedex have now been forced to pay money to French Customs. It will cost then a small fortune in management time to get that money back, so they're unlikely ro waive the adminstration fee caused by your son's error.

So you have a simple choice: pay the money or never see the boots again.

"and Fedex have now been forced to pay money to French Customs".

I don't see what French customs have to do with something that is sent OUT of the country. Customs charges are applied to what comes IN, not to what comes out.

<<< I don't see what French customs have to do with something that is sent OUT of the country. >>>

OP was receiving goods whilst in France

Oh sorry, misread the post. :-)

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the replies. I wrote out the Waybill prior to leaving and listed the boots as used. We received the boots in Paris okay and have them with us now.

I have every intention of paying the bill I am just trying to understand it, is all, since FedEx wouldn't take the time to give an explanation...just pay it they said. I thought there would be Fodorites who knew the situation better than myself and there is.

Thank you,
Michele