Hi,
Its not a matter thats related to U.S laws because i live in Europe.
The point is that there are many rare or hard to find knives offered for sale by private individuals from the US. Sometimes I would like to buy one, but I often refrain from doing so because of the high import costs we have here.
Are there ways to avoid these import costs? So suppose I buy a knife from someone in the US for $750, but the seller puts the value on the invoice, for example, $10.
Is such a thing possible?
How to ''bypass'import taxes?
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98src
- Posts: 334
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Re: How to ''bypass'import taxes?
Possible, but illegal.
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rea1eye
- Posts: 2669
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Re: How to ''bypass'import taxes?
Don't they randomly open packages to Europe to check for this? Seems
like that would be easy.
Bob
like that would be easy.
Bob
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OLDE CUTLER
- Gold Tier
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- Location: South Dakota
Re: How to ''bypass'import taxes?
The risk of a large fine or going to jail is worth it??? I always consider any taxes I pay for what they are, a bribe to keep me out of prison.Clack wrote: ↑Sat Oct 14, 2023 10:54 pm Hi,
Its not a matter thats related to U.S laws because i live in Europe.
The point is that there are many rare or hard to find knives offered for sale by private individuals from the US. Sometimes I would like to buy one, but I often refrain from doing so because of the high import costs we have here.
Are there ways to avoid these import costs? So suppose I buy a knife from someone in the US for $750, but the seller puts the value on the invoice, for example, $10.
Is such a thing possible?
"Sometimes even the blind chicken finds corn"
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Clack
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SwedgeHead
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Re: How to ''bypass'import taxes?
The rub comes in when you have to ask a seller to do something illegal (in writing). Most reputable sellers will be nice about but won't risk their position. And pretty quick you will be hesitant to ask. Best not mess with it. I'm no angel and I get it, but Its not just U.S. law when it comes to customs forms.
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Madmarco
- Gold Tier
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- Location: Smack dab in the middle of Canada
Re: How to ''bypass'import taxes?
Personally I've stopped asking sellers to fudge the prices, too many have refused since they don't want to risk their businesses so I don't bother anymore, as it was said, they're pleasant about it but still say no. Most I've found will work with you regarding what's declared as the contents of the package. For the few that have done so for me in the past I let them know that should there be trouble it would be mine, cuz the chances of Customs contacting sellers to check prices are slim to none, and any trouble for me would be in the form of them checking prices online and simply charging me the correct Duty + Taxes. They just don't have time for lawsuits.
I fully realize by doing this I'm not being completely honest,
but when you find yourself starting out ANY deal 25-30% in the ditch due to your country's low dollar you need to save wherever you can and swallow your conscience. Believe me, our countries don't need anymore of our money, they have most of it as it is to start! 
Please understand this is me, each individual must decide for themselves what they can live with, so kindly don't blame me if you get caught!
I fully realize by doing this I'm not being completely honest,
but when you find yourself starting out ANY deal 25-30% in the ditch due to your country's low dollar you need to save wherever you can and swallow your conscience. Believe me, our countries don't need anymore of our money, they have most of it as it is to start! Please understand this is me, each individual must decide for themselves what they can live with, so kindly don't blame me if you get caught!