Who pays the import taxes?

[Boosted LS1]

Just out of interest.

Customer buys goods in the US and the company there ships them to me. I'm the consignee, not the owner of the goods.

The courier has paid the import taxes, vat etc and expects me to pay which I can do.

Out of interest am I liable for these costs as the consignee? I could just as easily refer the courier to my customer who will no doubt make payment.

Thanks.

[mat205125]

All comes down to incoterms

[Boosted LS1]

Thanks, that's an interesting read. I'll read some more.

[Nickyboy]

Generally it's the consignee that has to pay the taxes as they are the receiver in the eyes of the courier. Whether the item is purchased by someone else is a matter between the purchaser and the consignee with regards to who is liable for the charges.

I get this quite often, often garages etc where someone has purchased specialist parts etc and had them sent direct to the garage to be fitted at some point, sometimes before they've dropped the car off. Half the time the garage know nothing about it but normally i leave them a copy of the paperwork and they get the customer to sort payment before delivery.

[Boosted LS1]

Thanks, I find it quite an interesting situation as I've not contracted with anybody so in my eyes I feel the courier is out on a limb. Still, it's no big deal as my customer will settle.

[Boosted LS1]

The goods aren't for me though and they're not my goods. I didn't order them or instruct a courier. It's not an issue but I wanted to know the legal position as. I suspect that's somewhat complex. Your situation seemed pretty straightforward. Thanks anyway.

[Boosted LS1]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

The goods were delivered and payment was requested a month afterwards. If something arrived at your house that you didn't order would you be liable for the taxes and pay? Perhaps goods for a neighbour delivered to you due to an incorrect house number?

Payment isn't the issue. My customer's taking care of that. The issue is a courier company telling me I'm liable without offering a proper explanation. I never asked them to make a delivery or pay any taxes. I thought it worth researching that aspect. Somebody above mentioned 'international terms' which is maybe the closest I'll get to a definitive answer. Thus far I'm not sure it's as clear as black or white.

[Boosted LS1]

My customer went shopping in the US, bought his parts and had them sent to my address by the store in the US. I've no problem with that as it makes life easier. My assertion is the store had the contract with the courier.

It doesn't matter at the end of the day. It's a non issue but still interesting because if my customer didn't pay I'd be the one getting the hassle.