Declaring Knife value for customs

redvenom

redvenom

Joined
Aug 15, 2000
Messages
2,330
As a newbie who's just rediscovered knives, I've just got my first true custom knife today which I am very happy with. The only thing that spoilt the joy was the custom duty which just about doubled the cost.

Am aware that some buyers ask that the dealers under-declare the value of the package to avoid exhorbitant custom duties. Feels a little dishonest somehow, but paying nearly double for an item for personal use (not for resale) is really painful. Just like to ask your opinions on this, makers/dealers who ship stuff overseas or forumites from outside the US.

Thanks much
Red

 
Only one problem there...... If it gets lost or damaged, they will only pay up to the amount it was declared for, so it's a risk.

Still, i agree, customs rates can be exobirent. You can have people mark the package either "Sample" or "Gift". Both ususally go straight past customs.

James

------------------
The beast we are, lest the beast we become.
 
Exobirent? Velly, Grasshopper. I ask mine to be sent as a "tool" and a "gift", works most of the time.
 

I say totally under-declare and take the risk. Government has no right whatsoever gouging us for crap like "duty" or "customs," especially when there is no domestically manufactured equivalent product.

From what I've heard about USPS and insurance claims, you're not getting your money back for months, if ever in the case of loss, so the risk is acceptable...

Paul.
 
The amazing stuff is: in Israel the
over-night shipping companies actually have agreements with the custom authorities:

the shippers open up all the packages and declare the content to the custom - and get a percentage of the gain....

How is that for painful??
 
Some dealers, so I have been told, will take a new knife and cut a piece of paper with it. They then put it back into the box, and ship it as 'used.'
smile.gif


Walt
 
Hmmm... some interesting ideas there especially Walt's suggestion. Don't know if any dealers will play along but I'll make sure I try them the next buy. Either that or get a job in the customs department...

 
Red - the Malaysian Royal Customs and Excise Department will see RED if items such as "GIFT" or "TOOL" being declared above US$100. Now declaring it under its retail value is definitely a risk. How bad do you really want the blade? I've dealt with the customs and they are very sparing when quantities are small for personal use. The rates are negotiable and depends on what category you declare them under. For normal use knives, there is a 30+7% tax. If you declare them under "camping equipment", "agriculture" - that's the case in my Matriach which I've declared under "knife for harvesting of mushrooms" -- the rates may vary from 10+5% or more. Its important for you not to crack under pressure if the officers query you on the usage of the blades. Just be calm and if you have to call a bluff : It'll save you a few bucks. Wanna be plain honest, well, better surrender the knife or have it shipped back and demand for a refund....
frown.gif
Now, if you want it REALLY BAD, you'll know what to do...
biggrin.gif


Sam

------------------
have spydies
will travel...
 
Samo, everytime I hear that story about the Spyderco (Matriach) Mushroom Harvester, I just wanna laugh out loud
smile.gif


Mabye I should rehearse these lines:

Customs: What is this knife for?
Me: Err... Harvesting mushrooms.
Customs: A matt black blade (MT LCC) for harvesting mushrooms?
Me: Sure, tough buggers, those mushrooms. Need to sneak up on them in the dark so they don't see me and flee.

There's a very high probability I'll just laugh like a maniac and spoil the whole thing...

Cheers!
Red




------------------
Red
"Heaven helps those who help themselves... but it always helps to carry a MicroTech"
 
Dude - You can work you way around declaring such items.. Well, the C-12 spydie (Civilian and Matriach) is actually made for harvesting mushroom besides its self-defence role. You can declare the MT-Socom tanto-point folder as a field knife for dressing chicken or goats. Black-coating? Ahh, no problemos, just tell the custom guys, its a rust-resistance coating. Unless their boss is a knifeknut, the only thing they've ever seen or associated themselves with, are some "chop-burung" knives. I may be ignorant, because folding knives are small and are usually negligable...
wink.gif
Just be wary of the price declared on the custom's sheet..

Sam

------------------
have spydies
will travel...
 
O.k! My turn to jump in here....

After 20 or more knives shipped in, i guess i know a little about how to deal with the situation. First off, ask yourself how chronic you are in this hobby of yours. If you're as much as a nutter like me to ship in a MT Halo II, you qualify with flying colours. Samo is right about questioning yourself if you are willing to take the risk....Under-declare the knife is the best way to go since FedEX and UPS don't lose their shippment often.....And most importantly, they'll inform you if the shippment is stuck in the customs. From there onwards, you can choose going to the customs yourself with the "Mushroom story" or paying tax......your call. As for the MT soccom tanto, i suggest you get it from Sheares since we're making a trip there....

My best advise is don't worry too much. We don't live in a country where the government hangs you for a folder. In this hobby of ours, the only risk is lossing money and the knife in question. Again.....how Chronic are you today?.....
smile.gif


Eric.
 
I actually cracked you up with the "Shroom-story" huh? Well, it worked!
biggrin.gif
I guess the lack of a good retail outlet here in Kuala Lumpur oughtta put the blues. You bust your wallet's seams just to get your favourite piece and get taxed later? Aiyaah! Not fair, but no risk, no gain...
tongue.gif
And you can qualify Eric as a certifiable and the only Malaysian Knifeknut ever to public because he gots the knives while Byran and me drool in awe...
tongue.gif


Sam

------------------
have spydies
will travel...
 
Make friends with a yacht owner. Have the knife sent to "Boat in Transit -- <yacht's name>", at the harbor. There is no duties or taxes on items sent to ships in transit in almost all countries.

Our friend here says that the knife in question is a custom made knife. That raises the interesting question of when a custom-made knife becomes new. Most makers test the edge on their knives before delivering them if only with a piece of paper. So, is a custom-made knife ever really new?



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top