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Buying A Concertina From Netherlands Or Ireland


Daddy Long Les

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I've recently been offered some boxes from overseas (Netherlands and Ireland). What would be the charges incurred if I went ahead and purchased?

 

I don't want to pay a hefty sum (VAT etc.) on top of the normal purchase + postage price.

 

I am not a dealer but simply someone who is looking to buy a used concertina from another c.net member.

If I were to go over and pick up in person what would happen at customs on my way back?

 

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

Les

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I don't want to pay a hefty sum (VAT etc.) on top of the normal purchase + postage price.

 

If I were to go over and pick up in person what would happen at customs on my way back?

 

I got caught out with 'import duty' once, but that was for items from the U.S.A. - you

should be OK within the European Union? My only caution would be to make sure

that you get some sort of receipt - this is to prove (or verify, if you prefer), the non-

VAT status of the instrument - I think 'antiques' are not liable for VAT (or zero-rated).

Worth checking maybe?

 

I've seen postage charges of 20 Euros mentioned on one continental dealers site,

which seemed sorta reasonable to me...

 

At Customs, I'm guessing that you will be asked to play something, just to prove the

bellows aren't stuffed with cigars, Swiss watches and Chanel No. 5?

 

Anyone care to nominate tunes suitable for performance at 'EU Citizens Green Channel'?

 

Roger

Edited by lachenal74693
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...I think 'antiques' are not liable for VAT (or zero-rated).

Worth checking maybe?

 

I've seen postage charges of 20 Euros mentioned on one continental dealers site,

which seemed sorta reasonable to me...

VAT rates and rules vary from country to country. And if it's true that VAT within the EU must now be charged according to the seller's country and not the buyer's, that could matter.

 

I know that for foreign purchases in Denmark you get charged VAT on the shipping (yes, even simple postage) as well as the purchase. Sweden has (at least) two different VAT rates depending on what the item is.

 

Anyone care to nominate tunes suitable for performance at 'EU Citizens Green Channel'?

Was it Peter Bellamy who put a tune to Kipling's poem, "A Smuggler's Song"? :)

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When I was in the UK I was told that import duty should not apply in items from the EU, and that antiques shouldn't be charged VAT either, but I'm hardly an expert, and I don't know what age qualifies as an antique. 100 years? for that matter, I was never really clear on the VAT status of any 2nd hand item, as presumably VAT was already paid on the item when new.

 

 

as for a tune, how about "Coming into Los Angeles" (Mr. Customs Man) as sung by Arlo Guthrie

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