bhphotovideo.com duties and that

cormie

Hi,
I'm looking to buy this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/568554-REG/Rear_View_Safety_Inc_RVS_770613_RVS_770613_Rear_View_Camera.html and bhphotovideo seem to be the only site who has with a reasonable shipping price to Ireland.

However, on the checkout page, I'm given the option of either paying THEM the duties rates etc, or clicking " I don't want B&H to collect any additional money to prepay my duties and taxes (VAT). I will pay them when my product(s) arrive into my country. "

Just wondering, has anyone here clicked this option and NOT had to pay? Or do ALL packages from this crowd get stung for duties?

Also, as I'm vat registered, can I claim the VAT amount back normally if I click this option, or would I have to claim it back from the US, which may be more hassle than the VAT is worth?

Any feedback appreciated

twowheelsonly

B&H only did this recently. Previously you just clicked on the Gift Certificate box and you didn't end up paying the duties as there was no invoice attached. I got some stuff in recently from them (Low value) and chanced clicking on the 'Pay it Yourself' and I was caught for it once it landed here.
At the same time I ordered a lens and a few more bits and pieces from Photobox in the UK (80-200mm f2.8) as it worked out a fair bit cheaper landed here than from B&H once the duties were taken into account.
It might be worth your while checking out a few European sites as a comparison as there's at least $180 dollars added to that stated price by the Carriage and Duties.
Not sure what the VAT situation is with goods from the States but imagine that it could be a bit of hassle.

SinisterDexter

I would think if you opted not to pay the VAT to them and then the Irish customs charged you then you would only be reclaiming it from the Irish Government. Would be a lot easier than claiming from the US, seen as you are already registered.

Just my 2 cents.

cormie

Thanks for the input

I was thinking that alright Dexter so I might just risk it.

twowheelsonly, I can't for the life of me find a UK/EU seller of it unfortunately, if it was coming from EU, no VAT or import duties would have to be paid as far as I know which would be a lot nicer to know.

I know there's a million back up camera systems, but I'd prefer to pay the extra and even take the risk for that one as the reviews for it are great and I haven't seen a bad one yet! I've had a cheapo one before and it packed in after a short while.

Might just have to go with the "pay myself" option and hope it doesn't get stopped but even if it does, I guess I can just add it to my regular VAT return

thefizz

You should not be charged any vat from B&H. You may be required to pay vat to the Collector General at point of entry, i.e. when the goods arrive in Ireland but you can claim that back. You may also have to pay duty if the goods in question are liable to a duty charge. This you cannot claim back. It may even happen that you will receive the goods without any vat or duty charges and if so this is the Collector Generals problem for missing it and not yours.

Borderfox

I know somebody in Swords who manufactures road closure vechicles that use this type of camera system, pm me for their details.

cormie

Thanks, but I think I'll just go with this one, have done a good bit of research on them and this is coming out top

Think I'll just take the punt with b&h anyway, if I get stung, I'll be able to claim the VAT back and I'll just have to worry about the duties, my only other option would be to ship it to somebody in the US and then they ship it here which would be a lot of hassle, take longer and I may even get stung anyway!