----- Original Message -----
From: "TF3KX" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 11:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Import duties on amateur radio items
The "import duty" is not the problem, but the VAT
(somewhat similar to the US
sales tax), which is exceedingly high in many European
countries.
I wonder if anyone tops the Icelandic VAT, 24.5%, which is
added on the
total package value: Content price + shipping +
insurance. Additionally, I
may be charged for the paperwork ($10-20), and to top it
all they may
occasionally request a permit from the Post and Telegraph
Authorities for
"radio components". This is what I had to go through when
ordering my K2 a
couple of months ago.
Kristinn,
Oooooooooh! That's nasty! And they charge VAT on your
shipping and insurance too! Very punitive I would say. I
guess the U.K. does that too. I can sort of understand
including shipping, as it is a cost of acquisiton.
Insurance, though, seems like a bit of a stretch. But both
seem inequitable if you consider the (fortunate) person who
can carry the product in, and avoid the VAT charge for
shipping and insurance. On the other hand, taxes are rarely
equitable!
This raises a question in my mind for you VAT payers. If
you pay the VAT, and then discover that your item has been
more or less destroyed in shipping, do you get any refund on
the VAT? What happens on the replacement item, assuming you
get one? Perhaps your comment about the replacement part
suggests you wouldn't pay the VAT twice.
I know Iceland is expensive, and the economy is fragile to
some extent, but I didn't realize it was so harsh on its
citizens who are forced to import many things, or go
without. However, I know it's a beautiful place with a
fascinating history. We did try to go there a few years
ago. Unfortunately, our cruise ship ran into a hurricane.
We apparently got within about 150 miles of Reykjavik, and
the captain had to give up. The props on the ship came out
of the water twice! So, missed the chance to make a small
contribution to the economy there. Very disappointing.
Dave W7AQK
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