Importing from a USA holiday

[ossum]

Hi folks

 

I have been through the import duties thread, but I think my question is a little different.

 

My brother is on a working holiday in Aspen for 4 months, he has seen how cheap the bikes are there (especially 2nd hand, so we aren't concerned about warranties etc.) and asked me to find out if anyone had tried importing one when returning from overseas.

 

We have heard rumors that you wont pay any duties/tax if the bike has been in your possession for "some time" and was a integral part of your lifestyle away from home, but rumors aren't very helpful. Anyone have any experience?

 

Thanks!

 

(He realises he may end up paying extra for luggage on his return flight of course)

[gadget]

I found what the duties and VAT will be, but I don't know if anyone has had the "in possession for a certain amount of time issue".

 

I bought a 2010 bike here (in the US) and want to bring it back in April. Has anyone brought bikes back as sports equipment? Obviously walking with a box that size will make you stick out like a needle.

 

Someone else said that I should break up the bike and bring it in as components as the duty will come down from around 35% to 15%. Obviously then i have to pay someone to put it back together a refit the bike (I'm not experienced enough).

 

Any suggestions?

[FC&P2C]

Someone else said that I should break up the bike and bring it in as components as the duty will come down from around 35% to 15%. Obviously then i have to pay someone to put it back together a refit the bike (I'm not experienced enough).

 

Any suggestions?

 

No duties on components and 15% on complete bike.

[Cunningstunt]

Honestly i wouldn't stress at all. I'm getting my 65yr old mom to bring me an Orange 5 over from the UK and have had various friends come through with parts and frames without a worry. No one has asked anything and they just say 'it's theirs'. Want to get a Kona King Zing if anyone sees one!

[ossum]

Thanks for your replies guys, I didn't get any notification for some reason. Anyways, my brother has been told he will just have to pay import duties (the 30% number I believe). Obviously a favorably valued receipt would work to his advantage here...

 

I will let you know how it worked out once he is home later in the month.