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Thread ID: 85457 2007-12-10 23:07:00 Customs regulations on importing goods somebody (208) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
620101 2007-12-10 23:07:00 Does anyone know what customs regulations apply if I was to purchase something like a laptop overseas (for personal use), and courier it back to New Zealand? Does it count towards my NZ$700 limit when flying back to NZ, or is it calculated separately? somebody (208)
620102 2007-12-10 23:29:00 Does anyone know what customs regulations apply if I was to purchase something like a laptop overseas (for personal use), and courier it back to New Zealand? Does it count towards my NZ$700 limit when flying back to NZ, or is it calculated separately?
Calculated separately I think. Personal limits apply only to goods carried in physically when returning from overseas. You'd pay GST on anything over $400 if it was shipped in separately.

Don't forget to convert the overseas price to $NZ either, and if you don't have (legit) sales documentation they'll assess the value themselves, which you might not like.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
620103 2007-12-10 23:31:00 If it was couriered back to NZ, you would more than likely get assessed for GST - don't know about Excise Duty on electronic goods. However if you bring it back with you on the plane, you might get away with Customs assuming you had it when you took it out of the country (especially if it accompanied you in a laptop bag, suitably second-hand looking)... johcar (6283)
620104 2007-12-11 01:03:00 ... However if you bring it back with you on the plane, you might get away with Customs assuming you had it when you took it out of the country (especially if it accompanied you in a laptop bag, suitably second-hand looking)... And they might hit you with heavy penalties, and confiscate the laptop. Have a look at the customs declaration you sign. The Customs staff aren't stupid. Graham L (2)
620105 2007-12-11 01:20:00 www.customs.govt.nz
:)
Trev (427)
620106 2007-12-11 01:30:00 www.customs.govt.nz
:)
Specifically: www.customs.govt.nz

No Customs aren't stupid, but they would have to suspect you for some reason (known to themselves) to search you. I took my laptop with me to Sydney and back several times last year and NZ Customs didn't give me a second look.... I borrowed my sister's expensive Canon EOS for a European trip last year - she was worried and supplied me a "proof of NZ purchase" before going, but I wasn't questioned at all (old-ish camera bag)...
johcar (6283)
620107 2007-12-11 01:44:00 They don't "have to have a reason". If you haven't got proof that something has been purchased in NZ they can assess duty on the item. If something is obviously new, (or you look a bit guilty ;) ) they can require that proof. If you haven't got the proof, and it hasn't been declared, things get expensive. Graham L (2)
620108 2007-12-11 04:53:00 Cheers guys. I was hoping to avoid having to carry an extra bag, as I already have laptop with me (bought in NZ last year).

I might give Customs a call to get a definite answer - I'd rather avoid committing fraud and getting arrested at immigration.
somebody (208)
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