Importing costs?

[JMP 82]

Hey all,

I just imported a second hand Apex'i N1 cat-back exhaust from Japan and was hit with horrendous importing costs as follows:

Australian Port Charge - $70.00

Delivery Order Fee - $45.00

Terminal Handling Fee - $15.00

Sea Cargo Automation - $15.00

Customs Clearance - $125.00

Government Duty - $96.62

GST on Importation - $37.20

Quarantine Fee - $97.00

Quarantine Lodgement Fee - $20.00

TOTAL 520.82 (plus 27.00 GST) - 547.82

Anyway, when i went to get it installed, i was told that charges should only be around 3% of the purchase price when it is second hand parts, plus possibly another 10% GST charge. Can anyone help me to find out if i've been ripped off or if this is all legit?

Cheers

Jason

[saff_cossie]

I have been told I will be hit with 34% for my car of the original purchase price but have not had that confirmed. I am expecting that anyway. A mate who imports has said it is 17% for bits but he was also the one who said 34% for the whole car so you are probably none the wiser from reading this!

[adznight]

It's all to do with the way you import it. I'm no expert but I do know that if things arn't marked "gift" or if the gov is sus they will flog you as you found out. Funky or dAVE might be able to clear it up for you.

[pavel]

I got a phone from hong kong and they put Value price $200something. So i didnt have to pay nothing...

[saff_cossie]

The tag has something to do with it in some cases but not all. Something like an exhaust back box you would be hard pushed getting it through even if it was labelled as a gift without getting taxed.

[wises]

sory about the timing but next time maybe try http://www.takakaira.com/ they're based in japan but are set up to send stuff anywhere, i havent used them yet but thats where ill be going to get some of my stuff. their prices are excellent too (this is not a paid endorcement )

i noticed on their site they had about 4 different ways to send things so they could work it out to be the cheapest for you..

once again sorry about the timing, maybe next time