[Elecraft] Re-Customs taxes etc

[Mario Lorenz]

Am 22. Oct 2002, um 21:01:52 schrieb f9oj@wanadoo.fr:
> Hello

> I got a parcel to-day from Elecraft ( K2/100 + Mike ). I had chosen the
> Express Mail.
> Result : it took 12 days to deliver ( mailed Oct. 10th, delivered Oct.
> 22nd ) It passed via Germany..the long path, we know that !
> The carrier charged me  33 euros ( plus the Customs rights and VAT - 19.6 %
> in France- )...

Several EMails sent in private indicate a similar, well, "luck".

What I learned so far is this:

- USPS has changed, effective January 2002, contractors for delivery to Germany.
  They are not using good old reliable Deutsche Post anymore, but switched
  over to German Parcel, now known as GLS General Logistics Systems.

- These GLS fellows
  - cannot seem to get the Customs papers right, calling a MP1 
    "misc. electronic accessories" which carries a EU Import duty of 3.6%,
    instead of the correct designation "antenna for transmission/reception of
    radio signals" which is duty-free.
  - do similar stuff with the KPA/100, declaring "other electronic devices" at
    2.4% instead of 0
  - On trying to call them, have all their lines busy, with a recorded message
    asking to send fax or email
  - did not respond to the email I sent on monday morning as of yet.
  - charge for this "service" a flat EUR 19.72 (about the same in USD right
    now), *PER PARCEL*. Eg. I today received another invoice carrying another
    $19.72 since Elecraft split the order onto two parcels (well, one was a
    MP1 with the mobile whip). I do not know what would have happend if
    Elecraft had called this one single shipment with one single invoice
    but split over two parcels. (Elecraft: Would it affect your shipping cost
    to do that ?)
    
Having still not heard from them, I cannot yet tell on how to continue about
this incorrect duty stuff, and/or what the basis for this "handling fee" is,
and also don't have word on how this can be best avoided. Unfortunately the
other shipping options I am aware of (Fedex, UPS) are really that: Express
shipments, which come at an even higher premium.

Good old Deutsche Post handled my K2 correctly back then, I dont remember if
they charged a handling fee. (the VAT needs to be paid, no matter what)
If so, I think I'd remember if it was that high.

So I'll keep you posted on how this works out. I'd sure like to have things
work the old way and am thus eager to find out what needs to be done to have
it that way. I guess ordering the stuff from resellers here in Germany is
getting more and more interesting.
    
> If you live in this country, my friends, you'd better have your parcels sent
> by Air Parcel Post : cheaper and quicker.

Uh, I do doubt that. Given that I have seen a press release that GLS won that
USPS contract, and that the Air Parcel Post also seems to be an USPS service,
I would expect the parcel arriving here with GLS too, carrying the same if not
higher fees for doing the customs work with "express speed" ....

Best regards,

Mario

-- 
Mario Lorenz                            Internet:    <ml@vdazone.org>
                                        Ham Radio:   DL5MLO@OK0PKL.#BOH.CZE.EU
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