Has anyone here purchased a surface pro through a freight forwarder? Looking to get one for a mate who has wanted one since last year when they announced it and it still has not been released down under. I would assume that where would be no gst added as the price minus shipping is 899 or 999 depending on which model you get. Can anyone confirm this? If so it would probably be cheaper to import from the us than to wait for it to be released locally and you would also get it earlier.
Purchasing a Surface Pro Via Freight Forwarder
gottacatchemall on 09/03/2013 - 17:32
Comments
I've had conflicting answers on this issue. Some say the the 1000 mark includes shipping others say it doesn't. I bought a lenovo y580 laptop last year from the US. This was however through B&H not a freight forwarder. Total price was over 1k and I didn't pay gst. Maybe its different with a freight forwarder? Any clarity on this issue would be appreciated.
You just got lucky, customs don't check every package and also it's up to their discretion whether something is worth $1000 or not. I've had a laptop held by customs before but at the same time had packages worth over $3000 not withheld.
Objectively speaking, shipping is part of the asset value, I don't see how it wouldn't be used as part of the $1000 threshold.
I don't think so. I believe it's the value of the goods themselves only that should be < $1000. However, if it exceeds the threshold, then the total GST and any duty payable is based on the value of the goods PLUS shipping and other costs.
" would assume that where would be no gst added as the price minus shipping is 899 or 999 depending on which model you get."
Nope, once you add the shipping on to it, you'll be over the $1000 mark for GST…you might be able to squeeze under on the $899 model, but that's a maybe.