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Thread: Sending back things that are new- problems?

  1. #1
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    Default Sending back things that are new- problems?

    Hi there

    We are about to move back to NZ from the UK, and are really really wary of customs people... based on what we have read here, it sounds like we are better off buying things like furniture here (it's cheaper) and sending them back.

    But if we do this- are we liable for any GST/import duty/otherwise for importing goods that are brand new? Has anyone had any problems doing this and faced additional costs?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
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    I think most people unpack the stuff in the UK and use it for a day.....

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by veronica View Post
    I think most people unpack the stuff in the UK and use it for a day.....
    Hmmm I worried about that- we are looking at flat pack stuff... ie not the easiest to put together- I wonder if it would be ok just to make it look like it has come out of boxes?

  4. #4
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    Yep, apart from cars then items just need to be 'used' (not 12 months).

  5. #5
    Manks's Avatar
    Manks is offline Serial procrastinator and general busybody
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    We disassembled most of our furtniture for the container anyway so it was essentially flat packed, but used. Just scuff it up a little after you've taken it out of the boxes

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Manks View Post
    . Just scuff it up a little after you've taken it out of the boxes
    My packers kindly offered that service as a free bonus as part of our move. Great value and I was extra pleased they took the time to be so helpful and considerate to make sure we didn't get mistakenly get charged GST on so many of our belongings.


  7. #7
    Manks's Avatar
    Manks is offline Serial procrastinator and general busybody
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    Quote Originally Posted by Duncan74 View Post
    My packers kindly offered that service as a free bonus as part of our move.
    What, they even consulted you on this bonus offering. Wow, that is service

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Manks View Post
    What, they even consulted you on this bonus offering. Wow, that is service
    No, was a wonderful surprise when we unpacked to discover som any items that were previousy 'as new' were now clearly 'used'.

  9. #9
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    Sep 2011
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    UK
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    Default for others reference

    I sent a mail to NZ Customs based on a link someone posted and got this back;

    Any new goods will be subject to full Customs Charges.

    Furniture - flat packs are subject to 5% import duty. Duty is levied as a percentage of the price paid or payable for the goods.

    So we're going to be opening a few things and shaking about a bit before they go into the container!!

    Cheers for the advice

  10. #10
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    I bought some new flat pack furniture just before leaving UK, took it out of the original boxes, let our packers wrap it all up for putting in the container. and just to make sure we could put it together when it got here managed to lose the instruction sheet. Had to go on IKEA website to see a picture of what it was supposed to look like, and then work it out from there. No problems with customs.

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