Author: Smaug
Date: 2019-04-13 05:45
Hello, I just did this very task in that I created an account here to apprise how it went.
I was in London on vacation, and I bought an R13 from Howarth of London three weeks ago. When everything is complete, I think I will have saved at least $1,000 versus buying one in the US. (not counting travel costs)
Assuming you purchase in the UK (other countries could be different), your total cost WILL include the 20% VAT. At the time of purchase, ask for a VAT refund form. You may have to show your passport. The lady I worked with at Howarth (her name was Katie) was very knowledgeable about how it worked.
When you fly out of the EU to go back home... You must find the tax refund desk before you go through security. Have your VAT refund form, your purchase receipt, and the clarinet with you. Because of the amount of the refund, you may then be told to go to yet another tax refund desk after security. (Take your clarinet as carry-on. Do not check it because the tax refund official may ask to see it!!!) When you are done, your VAT refund form must have an official stamp from one of the tax officials.
When you arrive in the US, you must declare to US Customs that you are carrying purchased merchandise over your personal exemption. They will ask what it is and how much (be honest), and then the officer will decide if you are subject to duty. Usually for small amounts over the limit, they may just wave you through. (That's what happened with me, and I did not have to pay anything extra.) However, before I left, I talked with someone at US Customs what the duty percentage would be for clarinets. They looked it up, and told me ZERO percent. I though it was 4.9%. So you may be OK no matter what, but that is also dependent on the officer at whatever port of entry you use.
As for CITES, I was told that it does not apply to personal items brought back with you. (It applies more to cargo when items are shipped.) I was not even questioned about CITES when I came through US Customs with my clarinet even though I declared it.
When I came back in the US, I mailed the stamped VAT form back to Howarth. Katie told me when she receives it, they will refund my credit card for the amount of the VAT. I mailed my form a week ago, and I'm currently waiting for them to receive it and post the refund.
So, that's my experience. I hope it helps.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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