Import tax for internet purchase?

[Daniel Nielson]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting some stuffs from B&H. It is my first time doing this, hope that those with more experience could enlighten me.

Anyone know how much will the import tax be (if any)? How do I suppose to make this payment? Do I need to go to the central post office to make the payment and collect the goods from there? That seems to be my understanding if the delivery is by standard post.

If I were to use UPS for the delivery would the procedure differ from standard post?

Thanks.

[squalle]

Anything above SGD 400 (incl of S&H), from the same merchant, will be subjected to 5% GST
You've gotta pay this amt to whichever company that you chose for the shipping, be it singpost, DHL, UPS or FedEx

[bartman]

Import tax is payable regardless of how or where you initiate the purchase outside of singapore, if that category of item is taxable by customs. Not everything is subjected to import tax.

Import tax is applicable to certain groups of products, example motor vehicles, tobacco, alcohal etc. Check with singapore customs to find out if the item you want to import is subjected to import tax.

As for your shipping method, you will need to check with singpost on how import tax is settled. I believe you will need to paid to your "shipping agent" first before they can help you to clear customs for your items.

[Daniel Nielson]

Thanks guys.

Any idea what's the percentage like? It'll be above SGD 400, they are lenses btw.

Anyone bought lenses from B&H before?

[zaxh81]

5% of the amount you will be paying to UPS when the item arrive,not including the shipping charges B&H collect from you.
So calculate if worth it before ordering.

[Daniel Nielson]

Thanks.

Do I make the payment at my door step or do I have to go somewhere to collect it?

[Daniel Nielson]

Originally Posted by Daniel Nielson Thanks. Do I make the payment at my door step or do I have to go somewhere to collect it?

Assuming I opt for UPS

[xtemujin]

UPS is one of the worst courier when compared to DHL and FEDEX, I've used all three.

For UPS you will get your stuff at the door. Do keep track of your items especially on weekend delivery for UPS as some of the courier will write on the tracking page that the owner is not at home.

I've experienced this twice myself with UPS when actually, I was at home all weekend. Gave the UPS CSO a call and one hour later, then my package was delivered.

If I recall correctly, UPS will give you the GST invoice one week later in the mail, GST plus an admin fee of $20. You can pay them at the UPS centre.

[Daniel Nielson]

Thanks fo the information...

Too late that I placed my order already...

Is the UPS centre you mentioned located in Changi?

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by squalle Anything above SGD 400 (incl of S&H), from the same merchant, will be subjected to 5% GST You've gotta pay this amt to whichever company that you chose for the shipping, be it singpost, DHL, UPS or FedEx

if u use vpost, its the entire package over 400 then dio tax already, not relevant to merchant only.

[biggmalique]

surprisingly, my contacts in the states told me that UPS does great jobs in handling/etc

Maybe our local UPS boys too slacked?

Btw, forgive my ignorance, whats B&H? link please.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by biggmalique surprisingly, my contacts in the states told me that UPS does great jobs in handling/etc Maybe our local UPS boys too slacked? Btw, forgive my ignorance, whats B&H? link please.

I got no problem sending via UPS, receiving, so far so good, for business acc.

[Wai]

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt if u use vpost, its the entire package over 400 then dio tax already, not relevant to merchant only.

yes...and the $400 including the postage too.

btw, if hand carry lenses need to declare at airport and pay GST?

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by Wai yes...and the $400 including the postage too. btw, if hand carry lenses need to declare at airport and pay GST?

for sg, its heng suay only, normally if u declare, they dun impose a 'fine' on you... if they catch you, its another matter altogether...

but like i say, heng suay, sometimes u see ppl with super big boxes just walk thru the customs and like nothing happen, (note: NO DECLARE) and some with a hand carry bag get called to corner for scanning...

[zhangyb]

i have good experience with UPS during my last purchase from BH... they are fast too and they arrive at your door step

Tax is 5% GST plus 2% tax at customs IIRC

[Daniel Nielson]

Originally Posted by biggmalique Btw, forgive my ignorance, whats B&H? link please.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[Daniel Nielson]

Originally Posted by zhangyb i have good experience with UPS during my last purchase from BH... they are fast too and they arrive at your door step Tax is 5% GST plus 2% tax at customs IIRC

Where did you pay your tax?

So the total tax is 7% goods value + $20?

[redstorm]

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt for sg, its heng suay only, normally if u declare, they dun impose a 'fine' on you... if they catch you, its another matter altogether... but like i say, heng suay, sometimes u see ppl with super big boxes just walk thru the customs and like nothing happen, (note: NO DECLARE) and some with a hand carry bag get called to corner for scanning...

If u return from overseas trip, u can bring in anything up to S$300 and anything in excess will be subject to GST. Of course, u can feign ignorance and walk thru' the green channel (Nothing to declare) but the Customs Officer has the right to stop you to check your bags for any contraband or excessive purchases.

[redstorm]

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt for sg, its heng suay only, normally if u declare, they dun impose a 'fine' on you... if they catch you, its another matter altogether... but like i say, heng suay, sometimes u see ppl with super big boxes just walk thru the customs and like nothing happen, (note: NO DECLARE) and some with a hand carry bag get called to corner for scanning...

If you are away from Singapore for more than 48 hours, your personal entitlement is only (buying products overseas) S$300 and anything in excess will be subject to GST. Of course, u can feign ignorance and walk thru' the green channel (Nothing to declare) but the Customs Officer has the right to stop you to check your bags for any contraband or excessive purchases.

[zhangyb]

Originally Posted by Daniel Nielson Where did you pay your tax? So the total tax is 7% goods value + $20?

it was charged to my card