GST stuff
 

Hey Aaron, what is the process regarding paying GST on imports?? Do customs send you a bill or do they hold the goods until you pay. I've realised that all my US purchases which I intend to send in one shipment will well over the NZ$400 mark. Let me know!!

Andrew

Andrew, I'm not sure of the exact procedure as I've had various experiences.

The first time, my parcel just sat in customs and I looked at my tracking number details for a couple of days before I rang them to find out what was up. At that point they told me I needed to get an importer's code. You might want to get the code before hand, I think you can.

The second time, when I noticed it had landed, I rang them and paid via credit card.

This time with my Tota etc, they rang me about a day before it arrived and asked how I wanted to pay. I gave them my CC number and all was well. I hope this is the way they'd operate most of the time.

So if I were you, ring them in advance, saying you're expecting some stuff and can you have an importer's code. Then hopefully they'll ring you and you'll do the payment and all will go smoothly.

Aaron