Unmentioned customs and import fees

[amobokoboko]

Dear community,

Early this month I purchased an item from the USA.

On the item description page there was no mentioning what at all about possible custom or import charges that may popup. The item itself costed 50 USD + 14 USD shipping. When it arrived I was kindly asked to pay an additional 40 USD fee ( customs and import).

I'm not going into the discussion that the buyer needs to cover the fees.

My question is the following. Whenever I'm buying goods from the N-Americas I'm always checking if additional costs may apply.

If it's the case I'm always rethinking if the price is worth the possible costs. 

But does the seller needs to inform the buyer  about additional charges?

The seller and myself started a dialogue even before we knew exactly what the costs were, but now the conversation stopped.

Thank you for your input.

[slippinjimmy]

First thing....eBay does indicate via a couple of different notices and pop-ups warnings about possible import charges.

They also figure that people know about the import rules that apply in their own country. I'm surprised you did not realize that VAT is payable on imports from outside the EU on any shipment with a declared value of 22 Euro or more. This has been in effect since 1992.

[castlemagicmemories]

Most buyers, although they are warned when purchasing, already know and expect that there will be customs charges.  It's the buyer's responsibility to be aware of what customs charges may apply, and to research that if need be.  Since you say you regularly check for this, you are aware that there may be charges.  

It isn't a "gotcha" situation or the seller's responsibility to inform you about what the charges you are; unless you are buying through GSP, in which case, GSP puts those charges on the listing.

You are fortunate the seller was willing to ship internationally.  Not everyone will.

[amobokoboko]

Thank you for your reply.

I'm aware that as of value higher then 22 EUR taxes may apply. And before buying I'm always crosschecking if shipping overseas is possible for them. But in the 105 transactions I did so far, it was mentioned nearly every time. I'm trying to point the finger here or asking him to cover for these costs. I was just wondering if informing isn't something the seller should be doing.

Thanks

[pburn]

---

@amobokoboko wrote:

My question is the following.

But does the seller needs to inform the buyer  about additional charges?

---

No.

You might want to read up on the issue before you buy from another U.S. seller:

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/postage-delivery/changing-delivery-address-method/international-pur...

From the above link (emphasis added):

Buying internationally from non-Global Shipping Program sellers

If you're buying from a seller who isn't participating in GSP, your seller, or the international shipping service they're working with, will manage the customs forms and charge you for the delivery at checkout. However, you may still have to pay any necessary customs, import fees, and taxes, when your item arrives.

Your seller might be able to give you some information about import charges, but before you bid on, or buy an item, it's a good idea to check with your country's customs office for more specific details.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@amobokoboko wrote:

Thank you for your reply.

I'm aware that as of value higher then 22 EUR taxes may apply. And before buying I'm always crosschecking if shipping overseas is possible for them. But in the 105 transactions I did so far, it was mentioned nearly every time. I'm trying to point the finger here or asking him to cover for these costs. I was just wondering if informing isn't something the seller should be doing.  

---

Please  don't wonder, it isn't something the seller should be doing.  It is the buyer's responsibility as several here have already stated.  There is nothing for you to point the finger at the seller for.  You were well aware you would have to pay customs charges.  

You might find yourself blocked from many international sellers in the future.  Just a thought you might want to consider.

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@slippinjimmy wrote:

First thing....eBay does indicate via a couple of different notices and pop-ups warnings about possible import charges.

They also figure that people know about the import rules that apply in their own country. I'm surprised you did not realize that VAT is payable on imports from outside the EU on any shipment with a declared value of 22 Euro or more. This has been in effect since 1992.

---

Actually, OP is aware of that because he says he is always checking.  

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, eBay recommends including the following information in a listing if selling internationally:

“...More info

Generally buyers pay any additional costs associated with international purchases, such as duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. To avoid any misunderstandings with your buyers, it's a good idea to state this clearly on your listings.

Here's a short paragraph you can use to do that:

"International buyers – please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges aren't included in the item price or postage cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

"Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying." “

While they recommend including this, it is not a policy requirement. Hope this answers your question. Below is the link to the policy where you can find this.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/international-postage?id=418...

[castlemagicmemories]

---

@amobokoboko wrote:

Thank you for your reply.

I'm aware that as of value higher then 22 EUR taxes may apply. And before buying I'm always crosschecking if shipping overseas is possible for them. But in the 105 transactions I did so far, it was mentioned nearly every time. I'm trying to point the finger here or asking him to cover for these costs. I was just wondering if informing isn't something the seller should be doing.

Thanks

---

So it was mentioned almost every time.  It seems you want to get this seller on a technicality that really isn't true as it isn't his responsibility to tell you.  Do you think that is ethical?  Just wondering.

[supercharger-parts]

How exactly is the seller supposed to know if there are additional charges?  Different countries have different rules on import charges, additionally, not every country's customs office has every language available on their website for a seller to check.   So, no, the seller does not need to inform the buyer about additional charges,  it is up to the buyer to be fully informed on their own before entering into an agreement of sale with any seller.  If I were regularly purchasing from another country, I would have the information that pertained to my country and the customs fees readily available to figure out if I wanted to purchase or not.

[peter-green]

I have been selling a long time internationally,maybe some old timers will remember but we were actually told by ebay to remove this verbiage from our listings,all international buyers are notified by ebay about duty fees etc. when they get the winning bid notice from ebay.this was done on the premise that ebay did not want the bidders to be confused by 2 similar notices

[sapphireseal]

No, it is not the seller's responsibility to inform the buyer.  It is the buyer's responsibility to keep informed on the import charges of their country.

How would the seller even know what the customs charges are of your country or if you would be charged? 

[2015mhfashions]

This is on every listing shipping Internationally right under the cost of the postage.

International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges. 

Click on the question mark at the end of that statement and this then pops up.

International shipping - items may be subject to customs processing depending on the item's declared value.

Sellers set the item's declared value and must comply with customs declaration laws.

 As the buyer, you should be aware of possible:

- delays from customs inspection.

- import duties and taxes which buyers must pay.

- brokerage fees payable at the point of delivery.

Your country's customs office can offer more details, or visit eBay's page on international trade.

All the information any international buyer would need regarding this is already there, problem is as around 100% of sellers will tell you buyers simply do not read what is clearly written informing them of this, E bay insert this information, it is nothing to do with any seller, i have around 2% that attract additional charges, very rare but possible, i fail to see how any buyer would not understand international trade is subject to Customs the whole world over.

Travel anywhere and the first thing you meet on arrival is Customs, why would you think mail is any different ? Lastly a seller cannot inform you of any charges, they would have no idea on any cost attached, every country is different, as i pointed out it is very rare that a cost is attached but when it does happen it is no fault of any seller.

I understand a buyers frustration when this happens but it is on the buyer to read the information given.

[gracieallen01]

---

@amobokoboko wrote:

Thank you for your reply.

I'm aware that as of value higher then 22 EUR taxes may apply. And before buying I'm always crosschecking if shipping overseas is possible for them. But in the 105 transactions I did so far, it was mentioned nearly every time. I'm trying to point the finger here or asking him to cover for these costs. I was just wondering if informing isn't something the seller should be doing.

Thanks

---

There are a lot of people on ebay - and elsewhere - that are not listing items for sale with the idea in mind that they will be, or will have to, ship to another country.  And, very few of those people have any idea what fees, if any, would apply.  ebay didn't start out as an 'Outlet Center'.

If someone is in the Global Shipping Program, all they know is that they charge to ship to Kentucky, USA.  After that, the 'broker' steps in and the buyer is at their mercy - according to the laws and fees of the country listed as the destination.

[fern*wood]

This is the kind of nonsense that made me stop shipping internationally several years ago on all of my IDs.   I used to include the verbiage you are referring to in my listings, but it made little difference.   Many buyers still tried to claim ignorance of their own country's tax laws, but the fact that you are aware of them and still trying to get the seller to pay your taxes, is especially galling. 

I imagine there are enough sellers unaware that ebay informs international buyers of their responsibility and offers sellers some protection for this, that they cave to buyers demands so it is still attempted with some success.