Top_Bhoy wrote:I don't believe that GST is payable until the value of the actual goods exceeds $1000 (excluding delivery). Once the $1000 limit has been exceeded then GST is applied to the total costs which comprises of 'value of goods + delivery cost + applied duty'.
Do your own research though.
Spot on as I found out on ordering in a caravan mover from England. Value around $2500-00 they added the shipping into the final figure. No surprise to me as I had included that in my final figure. Speaking with the customs though they indicated that on stuff like $1000-00 specialty items they check selectively, over a two week period to see if another part comes in that was a breakdown of the original purchase.
ie, if another part comes in purchased from the same store and is a part of the same purchase as they perceive it, they do go after that person. Maybe a camera and a lens....machinery...?
Any way in my case they even phoned the dealer in England for verification that I was the purchaser and a valid customer as they had never seen the goods I purchased before and suspected it was a part of something maybe sinister. Of course English VAT was missing so no problems.
As a courtesy the dealer rang me and notified me of all the goings on. Any way all ok in the end. This is just to say strange things must go on in the minds of the protective customs people.
