Bill,

There is a similar problem here in Greece where the total amount
ends up between 30 and 35% once all of the taxes have been calculated. I
should also mention that the shipping charges are part of the taxable
amount as well as some tax on tax where the locals compuet an
intermediate total using some of the taxes and then compute a further
tax based on this intermediate total.

For anything under 100 euro (about 124 USD), there is no import
taxes .... and this is the loophole I use for ALL shipments irrespective
of actual cost. Something that your buyer may wish to consider is to
have the item sent insured and for about 80 euro. The fact it is shipped
insured means it will reach its destination irrespective if it is worth
80 or 8000 euro.

If you think import duties into the European Union are high, have
a look at pricing on original brand new equipment! It is even more
disgusting. Thank God for Herb and Astromart!!!

Anthony.

Bill Able wrote:

A US friend of mine just sold a telescope to a Spanish buyer. He is
dumbfounded by the huge taxes that the Spanish buyer will have to pay to
customs before receiving the scope. What's going on here- why are foreign
customs adding so much tax to shipments like this?