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Import tax on packages?

I sent my novia a package of goodies via Global Express. It weighed about 3 pounds and cost me $86 to ship.

My novia says when it arrived, they had to pay about an extra $40 for the package. We were unclear over what the fee was for. She says I overvalued the package. It contained a ring, some jewelry, and a couple of DVDs. I valued the contents at $100.

Can someone explain, was this fee some sort of import tax? And how can I avoid this in the future (other than delivering them myself)? I want to send some birthday presents ahead time for her kids, but I don't want her stuck with a bill for some toys and small stuff.

By dannyherm on Apr 22, 2005, 14:31 in Friendly Talkzone.

Dan says on Apr 22, 2005, 14:39:

possible could be tax. I know a guy that was working with me and he had lost/destroyed a pair of sandles. So his wife in the US ordered his Teva Sandles and sent them to an address where we get our mail. After a few failed deliveries and a couple calls to UPS, he got his package and was told to pay about 20mil for the package. I think it was for a tax.

God Bless America!

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COLDK says on Apr 23, 2005, 01:44:

import tax Yes, sometimes you have to pay import tax on packages. It depends on the goods or the weight or the price. As far as I know CDs and DVDs are subject to import tax. But the best way to know if the goods you send will be taxed, is that you ask the shipping/courrier company, maybe they dont know the tax rate, but they are supposed to know about the kind of products, price or weight. Another way is that the consignee in Colombia calls a custome agency (agencia de aduana) and ask before you send the package.
I found this link with info about:
https://sss-web.usps.com/gem/jsps/showDutiesAndTaxes.jsp

also the custom agency for DHL Colombia.
http://www.siadhl.com.co/infoenvicol.html

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Chevere33 says on Apr 23, 2005, 12:07:

Yes, it happens When I used DHL, the recipient had to pay. Now that I use Servientrega, I pay it all up front, and it's much less.

Constancia

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