Customs, duties, sales tax Q''s - calling Sparkles or anyone who may know

[Phoenix]

I am going to send my studs to WF for them so that they could find me a matching stone for my 1.03ct stone since I only have an old GIA reprt with no crown and pavilion measurements. They''re also going to reset my other stone, a 1ct, into a pendant or RHR with a halo.

I''ve heard, but not sure if I recall correctly, that when you receive your goods in Singapore, you get slapped with sales tax (GST), as well as some other tax(es) on every item that you receive from the courier company. Of course I am prepared to pay tax etc. on the new stone as well as on the melee diamonds, the metal and whatnot, but since my other two stones are my own, I do not wish to pay any tax or other charges on these.

So how do I go about doing this? I am happy to comply with the laws but do not wish to pay more unnecessarily.

Sparkles, I know you''ve not posted for a while. Hopefully, you will see this and reply since (I think?) you''re upgraded your e-ring with WF.

If anyone else knows anything about how it works in other countries, I''d be interested in hearing your opinions and advice because I doubt that the principles work differently.

Thanks.

 

[stebbo]

From memory, Singapore Customs requires an Inward Permit to be filled out when you send your studs, to save paying GST again.

 

[stebbo]

Thought I quickly look it up just in case I speak garbage - looks like you fill out an Outward Permit when the goods go out and an Inward Permit on the way in.

Here's what Singapore Customs have to say about it.

 

[sparkles]

Hi LienTN,

Been around lurking.....very busy with trying to finish our house , children, end of year things etc.

I paid 5% gst on my pear from WHITEFLASH.

Return items not so sure on taxes. Although know it wouldn''t be fair for them to charge you twice!

Wouldn''t hurt to call customs.

Funny you should post this now - I will be in HOUSTON monday afternoon......

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/29/2007 5:17:14 AM
Author: stebbo
Thought I quickly look it up just in case I speak garbage - looks like you fill out an Outward Permit when the goods go out and an Inward Permit on the way in.

Here''s what Singapore Customs have to say about it.

Thank you so much for that, Stebbo! The webpage is esp. helpful. I suppose my stuff would fall under category III. The best thing for me is to call Singapore Customs to further clarify with them and do alll the necessary paperwork.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 11/29/2007 8:17:01 AM
Author: sparkles
Hi LienTN,

Been around lurking.....very busy with trying to finish our house , children, end of year things etc.

I paid 5% gst on my pear from WHITEFLASH.

Return items not so sure on taxes. Although know it wouldn''t be fair for them to charge you twice!

Wouldn''t hurt to call customs.

Funny you should post this now - I will be in HOUSTON monday afternoon......

Hi Sparkles,

Thanks so much for replying. I wasn''t sure if you were even lurking. I knew you must have been busy with the house. How''s that going? And hope all else is going well too.

I didn''t buy my current studs from WF. But it definitely wouldn''t be fair for them to charge GST on them!

I am so jealous you''re going to be in Houston. You''re going be able to go see WF. Pls tell me you have plans to visit them!