[Solved] Hidden cost of the MK4 kit  

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

It really depends on how unlucky you are. Not everyone is charged the import tax.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

I would be interested to hear of people that actually ordered only the kit (nothing else) and were charged the tax. I certainly was not. I thought that was the whole point of charge $799 for the kit was to avoid this. My impression was that cost of shipping is not included in the tax calculation.

RE:

You are mistaken. Shipments under $800 are exempt. No luck involved.

But if your total order is over $800, your shipping company will assign a broker, and the broker will contact you about paying the duty/import tax. Until it's paid, your shipment will sit in storage.

The tricky part is that shipping could put you over the $800 limit.

It wont matter if it is shipped in two boxes, like if you order filament. You still pay the duty/import tax.

If price+shipping is under $800 you wont pay the tax or even know about it. So you might think you got lucky. But luck has nothing to do with it.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

You are mistaken.

Nah, not mistaken. For whatever reason, the tax is not always charged when the invoice total is over $800.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deals with millions of inbound packages, so the process is electronic and automated. Its not like some guy shakes your package, shrugs, and lets you go without paying.

If the cost of all items PLUS shipping is over $800, then your shipper will assign a broker, who will contact you about paying the import duty.

Here is an example of someone who did not know about the import duty on a Prusa printer.

Prusa spells out the US duty fees on orders over $800 here.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

>Nah

I have provided several links to policy and experience. You have provided none.

People who are under the $800 exception don't even know there is a customs duty. When the customs broker lets you know your purchase is not exempt and your purchase will be held until payment, then you will know.

Please provide advise from US Customs to the contrary.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

Thanks for the useful links that demonstrate this issue can catch you by surprise.

The specifics and exceptions to US customs law are fabulously complex. Few Americans buy big ticket foreign goods to know about duty charges.

Cheers!

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

This is not a Prusa issue, but something to be taken up with your courier/local tax offices.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

Posted by: @jeff-16

 I thought that was the whole point of charge $799 for the kit was to avoid this.

I made the same false assumption, but Prusa says no such thing. In fact here they spell it out clearly.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

> Please provide advise from US Customs to the contrary.

Well doubt US Customs has published any material that states "you might just get away with it" lol.

Keep in mind that those that are charged the import tax are going to make the most noise. But two in this thread were not.

Anyway, Neophyl was probably right - this topic has already been discussed throughly.

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

I'm sure if you are trying to say I'm lying about my situation or not. Maybe I'm misunderstanding you. But to be clear in my situation: I'm in the USA. I ordered the $799 MK4 kit. There was a $48.76 shipping (DHL) charge and my total invoice was $847.76. The invoice was broken into two line items of "total price of products" and "shipping". No import tax. No other hidden fees. No hidden paperwork.

It works the other way around - when a visitor to the USA wanders into a supermarket and picks up $1 worth of cheese - the checkout adds a wholly unexpected extra tax charge ...

Cheerio,

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

Ha, yeah, that's true and brings up another point. Prusa doesn't collect sales and use tax. Technically you should self report if you live in a state with sales tax, but nobody does.

So, if you are unlucky enough to be charged an import duty, at least a portion of that is offset from the lack of sales tax.

Prusa doesn't collect sales and use tax.

Yes they do - they collect the EU equivalent, VAT.  If you live in the EU the price is tax-inclusive, that's why the price in Euros is 21% higher.  If it is exported anywhere outside the EU VAT doen't apply - but you can't win as your governement promptly applies import duty.

Cheerio,

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

I meant for the US, which is relevant for this thread

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

I ordered the Kit back on release with an extra sheet putting me around 839 + shipping and I guess I got lucky but DHL did not send me an invoice for customs. I think it all depends on luck when it goes through customs...

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

It does appear that DHL does a pretty good job of getting the kits cleared through US Customs, many times even before reaching the US. 

RE: Hidden cost of the MK4 kit

My DHL shipment arrived at my door  in Florida with no one asking for any additional money other than the shipping I paid up front for my kit (total cost $887.76).