customs query - coming from US

what to do? · 11-01-2009 4:30pm #1

Just a quick question. If i go to NY and bring my camera with me and a few lenses, is there any possibility of getting hassle from customs on the way back in Dublin? Like could they think I bought the stuff over there and try tax me on it, or demand I produce receipts to show I didn't buy them over there??? The camera is a very recently purchased DSLR and it is new and shiny so thats why I ask.

Thanks a mill in advance for any help.

PCPhoto · 11-01-2009 4:39pm

they could do that and also tell you they will not give you your equipment back until you pay VAT/Import tax.

most of the time they are too busy(Cant be bothered) stopping people walking into the country - the main aim for them is stopping people bringing in products for resale.

if you are really worried get a garda to sign a piece of paper with the list of gear you intend bringing (before your flight) and if stopped produce that and hey presto !!

most of the time they wont stop you unless you are obviously walking around the arrivals area with shiny camera gear, if you have everything in your hand luggage/backpack you probably wont be stopped.

what to do? · 11-01-2009 5:02pm

thanks. a mate came back on a flight recently and said customs made every second or third person open their suitcases so thats what had me worried:eek:

longshanks · 11-01-2009 5:22pm

a lot of the time they only stop people who they've found to have all the tags and boxes for whatever they've bought. you'll probably be alright although the letter from the guard idea mentioned above sounds pretty good

CabanSail · 11-01-2009 9:28pm

I don't know if they do it here but in Australia you could get a form from the Customs & list items being taken overseas, along with serial numbers. This was then witnessed by the Police or Customs. A quick call to Customs here should tell you if they have the same mechanism here.

***MOD*** I have had to edit one post & delete another in this thread for advice to avoid Tax. This is specificly covered in the Charter. Everyone who posts should be aware of the contents. I will consult with the other Mods about these posts.

PCPhoto · 11-01-2009 9:33pm

my apologies - didnt realise what I was saying. (genuine error)

Thanks for removing it.

the essence of my message was get a gardai to check a list of items you are taking and sign it - as proof of what you bring with you.

Dodgykeeper · 11-01-2009 9:36pm

CabanSail wrote: »

I don't know if they do it here but in Australia you could get a form from the Customs & list items being taken overseas, along with serial numbers. This was then witnessed by the Police or Customs. A quick call to Customs here should tell you if they have the same mechanism here.

I think there is a document called a carnet, that is filled in and stamped upon enty to a country with items of value listed, this should then be produced upon leving and re entry into Ireland!

11-01-2009 9:53pm

Never had a problem with this myself and have never seen anyone stopped by customs.What you could do is leave a photo on the card from before you left Ireland.The EXIF data would show you always had the camera.As long as the customs official isn't too stringent this should be enough to get you off.

customs query - coming from US

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