photo equipment from Amazon

[artyboy]

hi guys, was really surprised by the price differences in photo gear locally compared to overseas. the Canon 1.4X II TC cost $690 here but Amazon is charging US$285 (S$436)!! even with shipping costs its still much cheaper to get from the US. how many of you guys get yr stuff from Amazon (or B&H/Adorama etc)? will there be problem at Customs for such stuff?

[dejected]

haven't a chance to deal with them. but if they were to declare the items as it really is. chances are TAX will be impounded

[artyboy]

hmm yeah perhaps. but last time when i imported an Xbox, Customs didnt impose any taxes altho they opened it up to check. probably selected items only.

[zhikang]

use Singpost vPost la... didnt have any problems wif like the 4 CDs i got. no taxes

[akdwivedi]

I think if the value of items is less than $400,there wont be taxes.. but anything higher, they will impose taxes.

maybe somebody who has ordered higher value items can confirm this.

[vernonleow]

Originally Posted by akdwivedi I think if the value of items is less than $400,there wont be taxes.. but anything higher, they will impose taxes. maybe somebody who has ordered higher value items can confirm this.

Yes, anything above SGD400 is taxable.

[holeinone]

The big guys like Amazon, B&H, etc are all very reliable so should not have any problems buying from them. They are also willing to ship international. You can use vPost if you buy from those that do not ship direct to SIngapore, but vpost is not cheap. And I find that it takes too long.

[zhangyb]

yep i find vpost too long too... just ship UPS express its the best

when goods >$400 come into SG need to pay GST and a 2% customs charge when they enter port.

[kidrawk]

as for now i think u cannot buy camera items out of US. did u try ordering it? i think oni books, cds and others are allowed to be shipped internationally

[chopper]

Originally Posted by zhangyb yep i find vpost too long too... just ship UPS express its the best when goods >$400 come into SG need to pay GST and a 2% customs charge when they enter port.

$400 is S$ ? Also, any import tax beyond the GST & custom charge ?

[Deadpoet]

Originally Posted by kidrawk as for now i think u cannot buy camera items out of US. did u try ordering it? i think oni books, cds and others are allowed to be shipped internationally

Please get your facts straight. you can buy anything in the US that is not controlled products and have them shipped oversea. Generally, for consumer products, computers are a bit problematic, but since we are in a photography forum, lets just stick with photographic equipment. As far as I know, all cameras, lenses and accessories can be shipped oversea.

Many retailers do not ship to Singapore because we are in the middle of the credit card fraud center of the world. Hence, vpost was borned.

[nuxnewbie]

I'm not sure what is meant by a 2% customs charge. Perhaps the forumer can clarify.

Singapore is a free port, i.e. most goods are not subject to 'import taxes'.

'Import tax' aka excise/custom duty is levied only on four classes of goods: -

1) Alcohol
2) Tobacco
3) most motor vehicles
4) Motor spirits aka Petrol.

GST relief of $400 (yes, in S$) is given on mail order items. Note that the $400 includes postage and insurance. If the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value exceeds S$400, the entire sum is subject to GST.

[daydreamz]

quite true...these are the facts as i know them too...

Originally Posted by nuxnewbie I'm not sure what is meant by a 2% customs charge. Perhaps the forumer can clarify. Singapore is a free port, i.e. most goods are not subject to 'import taxes'. 'Import tax' aka excise/custom duty is levied only on four classes of goods: - 1) Alcohol 2) Tobacco 3) most motor vehicles 4) Motor spirits aka Petrol. GST relief of $400 (yes, in S$) is given on mail order items. Note that the $400 includes postage and insurance. If the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value exceeds S$400, the entire sum is subject to GST.

[artyboy]

confirmed Amazon does not ship the 1.4X TC to Singapore, stated its due to warranty and territorial trade issues. in the end got my friend to get it for me in the States.