Buying from overseas could = huge fine

[ricktas]

Seems the government have caught on that some Overseas retailers are providing invoices with goods that are simply to avoid paying customs duty and GST. Get caught being part of it and now you could be fined up to $110,000.00

There are some well known sites that sell photography gear that invoice to ensure the amount on the invoice is under $1000.00, when it isn't.

Something to think about.

http://www.news.com.au/business/onli...-1226379657028

[mercho]

Very Interesting. Have had it happen to me when buying from a certain supplier, didn't realise that it was going to happen though. I had to email them to get the correct invoice! I don't know how they can hold the Recipient responsible? If you order something online overseas or not, you expect the correct invoice?

[Mary Anne]

Yes fair enough too.. I have been told to split my order into two parcels to save on that Tax so I did..

[Bear Dale]

What a joke it's laughable.

[Ezookiel]

I ordered a watch online and it arrived marked as a gift. I felt like telling the sender that if it was a gift, then I wanted my money back.
My next major purchase came marked with the value of contents listed as "under $50" which again I never requested or had any part in. It was way under the $1000, in fact wasn't even $100, so marking the value as under $50 was a bit unnecessary anyway, but especially because of the low value of what I bought, I'd had nothing to do with them choosing to mark it that way.
It would be an interesting court case I would think, if you personally had never asked for, or suggested the false invoice, and the seller in another country outside our laws had chosen of their own accord to mark it that way, and the government here then tried to fine you for it. Not sure it would stick unless they showed you requested or arranged it, but then I'm not about to test the theory. Mind you, I'm lucky enough that I'm so broke it won't ever likely affect me, as I can't spend the kind of money needed to have to pay duty. Pays to be poor

[Bear Dale]

Gerry Harvey must be bleeding.....sorry Gerry.

This is just some more scare tactics. He's opening stores upin Singapore and Ireland the Ireland ones specifically to try and beat importduties.

If customs ever want to prosecute me for an online supplierissueing me with an incorrect receipt after I payed the correct asking amounton their website......I'll see them in court.

Australians have been ripped off forever on prices that wepay, it's a global market and I welcome it, even if the like of Gerry Harveywant to stamp their feet in a futile effort.......welcome to 2012.

[farmer_rob]

Key point:

"The penalties for making a FALSE DECLARATION to Customs can be severe," a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said.

(my emphasis)

It seems to me to revolve around who makes the declaration. Don't ask for a fake invoice, keep documentation of what you ordered and paid, and be up front with customs about what you paid, and accept whatever GST is liable.

Regards,
Rob

[fillum]

Hard to see how this is news. Looks like a bit of scare-mongering from the ANRA - the only comment from Customs (a "spokesperson") was a vague line about false declarations.

But good to see Gerry staying level-headed...

it's no different to me bringing drugs or firearms or anything into the country," Mr Harvey said.

Devastating news about Fashions In The Field though...



Cheers.

[Wayne]

I saw Harvey Norman stores in SG last week, seemed strange to see them there. Rip off there too mind you.

I import a heck of a lot of things and have not had any issues, and don't foresee any.

[enduro]

I'm OK with paying the GST.

A recent seller sold me goods for several thousand dollars and provided receipt for under a grand. That I explained was unacceptable and requested a receipt the full amount - what would I use for insurance?

This is also the last grey body I purchase.

[LJG]

Let's see, the possibilty of a $110,000 fine just to save what in most cases is $100 - $400. It does not stack up does it?