buying from HK

[grainpixel]

Hi All,

I read in another thread about flattening the box, and keeping the manual away in the luggage to avoid paying GST at customs.
Is that true?
I thought if I only 1 lens from HK, and even if I bring the whole box (unopened) will be ok?

Why would they want to tax 1 box of lens, since it is for personal use.
I can understand if I bring 3-4 pcs of the same lens back..they will probably tax me.

i do not intend to bring my camera body to HK, so I cannot attached the new lens to bring it back.
any advices?

[CS TAN]

Your need to know the GST Relief and Duty-free concession from Singapore Custom:

http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/tr...oncessions.htm

Period Away From Singapore.... Below 18 years of age.... 18 years of age and above
Less than 24 hours .....................No Relief .........................$50
24 to less than 48 hours ..............$50................................. $150
48 hours and above.....................$100.................... ............$300

So, if you lens is less than $300 and you are away for 48 hours and above and you are 18 years of age and above, you can hold it on your hand and pass through the GREEN Channel.

Otherwise, you should go to RED Channel and declare your purchase and pay the GST.

[grainpixel]

Hello Tan,

Thanks, I have just called Customs and verified something.
The SGD$300 acutally means the GST value.

If lets say, I buy something worth S$1000, and 7% GST = S$70.00
I need not declare too.

[Vulpix0r]

Originally Posted by grainpixel Hello Tan, Thanks, I have just called Customs and verified something. The SGD$300 acutally means the GST value. If lets say, I buy something worth S$1000, and 7% GST = S$70.00 I need not declare too.

Well, you don't even need to declare in the first place. Fold up your box nicely, and keep the lens in your carry-on bag.

[maddyks]

Originally Posted by grainpixel Hello Tan, Thanks, I have just called Customs and verified something. The SGD$300 acutally means the GST value. If lets say, I buy something worth S$1000, and 7% GST = S$70.00 I need not declare too.

This is quite interesting. coz when I order stuff from abroad, the GST gets calculated on the actual price of the item. are you sure you heard the customs guy right?

[CS TAN]

So you can bring in value around $4280 without needing to pay GST?

[grainpixel]

Hi Guys,

Yes, I called in and spoke to someone from the customs directly.
I have gave him the example that if I buy something worth S$1000, and therefore the GST will supposed to be S$70.
I asked if I need to pay GST, and he said no.
At long, as the total GST does not exceed S$300.

Tan, you are right... we can buy up to S$4280.

MaddyKS, you will need to pay GST for goods sent via TNT/DHL...because I believe it is a "tourist GST relief"...you did not leave the country as a tourist, and hence will not be entitled to the S$300 GST relief.

The catch is the items we are bringing in, must look like it is for personal use.
Regardless, whether we bring in as a whole box of not.

For eg, if we bring in 20 pcs of 50mm f/1.8...totalling about S$2500.
I am sure we will be taxed (although the total GST is less than S$300) as the customs will not believe that 1 person will need 20 pcs of 50mm lens for personal use.

[CS TAN]

Originally Posted by grainpixel Hi Guys, Yes, I called in and spoke to someone from the customs directly. I have gave him the example that if I buy something worth S$1000, and therefore the GST will supposed to be S$70. I asked if I need to pay GST, and he said no. At long, as the total GST does not exceed S$300. Tan, you are right... we can buy up to S$4280. MaddyKS, you will need to pay GST for goods sent via TNT/DHL...because I believe it is a "tourist GST relief"...you did not leave the country as a tourist, and hence will not be entitled to the S$300 GST relief. The catch is the items we are bringing in, must look like it is for personal use. Regardless, whether we bring in as a whole box of not. For eg, if we bring in 20 pcs of 50mm f/1.8...totalling about S$2500. I am sure we will be taxed (although the total GST is less than S$300) as the customs will not believe that 1 person will need 20 pcs of 50mm lens for personal use.

Thanks for the updated info. Learn something new everyday. This is useful for most of us who travel frequently.

[grainpixel]

No problem...
I learnt new stuffs from everyone here frequently too..
I will be checking out the prices in HK tomorrow..hope to squeeze in some time to do so.

just bought my benro tripod...pretty good deal

[Shen siung]

This is a very useful info for fellow CSer

[beautifulworld]

Hi Grainpixel, thank you for the interesting information.

[s2s1]

SG$1:HK$5.3 now. Happy shopping!

[grainpixel]

for anyone who are keen in Benro tripods.
The 250EX is selling in HK for SGD$ 95, as compared to SGD$145 if you buy it locally.