Guye
Lifer
I recently purchased some items to "refresh" my 1992 GT while it's at the body shop (headlights, glow badge etc.) and keep it in good condition. Today I went to collect my ep styling grill and I learned that the rules of the post office have changed. Apparently if the item is worth more than $200.00bds shipped (approximately $65.00gbp) you will now need to get a customs broker to complete and submit an entry with fees ranging from $50bds upwards. This is an extra expense I never had to deal with before. Also before, if the item was used/second hand, the clerk would use their discretion with charging duties. Now once it's anyhting to do with car parts it's an automatic 30% duty + 5% environment tax + 15% VAT + $1.00 stamp duty. I ended up paying more than 50% of the original purchase price of the grill. Luckily I got the other items before this rule took effect so duties were minimal.
I like to do things above board, so declaring the correct value on future purchases I was planning to make (some panels from Jay, rear discs from TM etc.) or on any impulse buys would make the final cost too high to be of any savings over getting a similar item locally. The only exception will be service items not available here then I'll have no choice but to bite the bullet. I'm just upset that the last means of getting reasonably priced/high quality bits for my beloved GT is now gone. Hard to except when you plan to keep a car forever. Rant over.
I like to do things above board, so declaring the correct value on future purchases I was planning to make (some panels from Jay, rear discs from TM etc.) or on any impulse buys would make the final cost too high to be of any savings over getting a similar item locally. The only exception will be service items not available here then I'll have no choice but to bite the bullet. I'm just upset that the last means of getting reasonably priced/high quality bits for my beloved GT is now gone. Hard to except when you plan to keep a car forever. Rant over.
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