Hi everybody
with the current exchange rate I’ve been thinking about buying a flute in EE.UU (I live in Spain). I checked previous posts on this subject and it seems there is 23% of Vat, but in other sites I read there is an exemption of VAT up to 490 euros. Any of you have more information regarding this?
Thanks in advance
You haven’t indicated whether you are purchasing a new flute (from a United States [EE.UU, as opposed to EU] manufacturer/maker) or a used flute from a private, which might conceivably make a difference (or not).
As far as I know, you would be responsible for paying standard VAT (rate for Spain=16%) on importation (plus collection fees from your freight carrier/customs processor) from the U.S. I don’t know if there are additional tariffs charged for certain goods (such as flutes) in addition to the VAT.
My experience with customers being charged VAT on receipt begins at a low threshold amount, exceeding approx. 35 Euro.
I had to pay 16% VAT (good old times, now we’re at 19%!) and 3.2% fees when I got the WFO 1-3 from Doc Jones. When Sillydill sent me a Boehm flute, I didn’t have to pay anything. It mostly depends on luck I guess.
In general, if importing as a private person, you have to pay import taxes which usually equals to the VAT rate in your county, plus a small percentage of fees to “punish” you for not buying local. 3.2% in Germany for “other goods” (like flutes, CDs, whistles, … - other items may be rated higher or lower), no idea how much it is elsewhere. Your local tax office should be able to help you out.
Thank you for your replies, my idea was to buy the flute from a a EE.UU. manufacturer, but with VAT and other fees it would cost the same as in Europe, so… 