Local purchase vs grey import - Canon 16-35mm

[ricktas]

I have bought from O/S and was required to pay customs/gst even though the package stated it was valued at under $1000.00. Customs know the value of goods and if your package is randomly checked you will be asked to provide a receipt for the goods before released.

To Add: Customs also have a database of prices in Aus (the RRP price), so if you get a new Canon 5DIII and it is marked as $800.00, and they check. All charges are at their determined price, that calculations are done, not on the $$ on your order, of the conversion amount at the time. So you could end up paying fees and duties on an amount that is more than the $$ price you can even buy it for locally. Customs can determine the price at their discretion.