Import fees from Schmiedmann

[ATB88]

I've been considering ordering convertible top headliner from Schmiedmann as they've got a great price for the OEM piece.

I've never ordered parts from the EU before, though, and I know that import taxes/brokerage fees are a thing, and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it.

Am I guaranteed to get hit with extra fees guaranteed? Is it charged at random on arrival? Can it be avoided? Is there a particular % I can expect it to be? Anyone who's had experience ordering EU parts to the states i would really appreciate the guidance!

[M9Seth]

If you're in the US and order parts from the EU, and said parts are shipped to the US, no VAT or any other taxes are charged. However there is a remote chance that US customs may imposed a fee.

[9kracing]

However there is a remote chance that US customs may imposed a fee.

I just got hit for an Alcon big brake kit for one of my other cars earlier this week.... 10%. With all the fees it was $331 total.

The days of stuff floating through customs is done I'm afraid, I've been nailed with every item this year.

[Tbonem3]

Have seller mark it as a "gift" or place a lower value on it, if seller is amenable. VAT is for europeans, not Americans ordering.

[ATB88]

Sorry when I said VAT I meant whatever import fees I might get hit with, I misspoke.

What I'm trying to figure out is if ordering an OE convertible headliner from Schmiedmann for $768 will actually save me money over getting it within the US at ~$1100, once I account for whatever customs etc I'll get charged on the $768 Schmiedmann price. If it's just 10% as 9kracing implied, then it sounds like it's still a good deal.

[9kracing]

10% is the most I've ever been hit with, and I feel like it was a mistake, I thought it was capped at 4%.

I think anything below $800 can pass through without fees, but don't quote me.

[M9Seth]

I just got hit for an Alcon big brake kit for one of my other cars earlier this week.... 10%. With all the fees it was $331 total.

The days of stuff floating through customs is done I'm afraid, I've been nailed with every item this year.

Did you order it from the UK or Europe? Might be a consequence of Brexit?

[9kracing]

Did you order it from the UK or Europe? Might be a consequence of Brexit?

Australia actually

[Cubieman]

I have personally never had any import taxes from Schmiedmann, including a CSL trunk. I didn't have any import taxes on my CSL intake from the UK either but then I got some aftemarket CV's from the UK and had to pay some small amount. Weird.

[PSUEng]

Check out E-ACCA.com, they'll help you navigate that.

[dreamdrivedrift]

I paid $70 for customs on my CSL trunk. Far less than 10%.
It was a much better deal than ordering from Turner. Still waiting for my CSL trunk liner from Turner, if I had known it'd take this long I would have ordered everything through Schmiedmann.

[01 Carbonragtop]

If you're in the US and order parts from the EU, and said parts are shipped to the US, no VAT or any other taxes are charged. However there is a remote chance that US customs may imposed a fee.

Yes and depending on how big it is, it gets pricey real quick

[ugaexploder]

I order from Schmiedmann all the time, I've only been charged customs/duty fees once for the CSL trunk for $65

[bmw m3 s50]

Your going to pay a customs fee if the item's value is over $800. The fee is not much, I think it's like 4 or 5%. I paid $118 on a set of BBS wheels valued at $2500.

Also paid a customs fee when I ordered a brand new square set of of OEM CSL/ZHP 19x9.5 wheels from Schmiedmann a few years ago.

[ugaexploder]

Your going to pay a customs fee if the item's value is over $800. The fee is not much, I think it's like 4 or 5%. I paid $118 on a set of BBS wheels valued at $2500.

Also paid a customs fee when I ordered a brand new square set of of OEM CSL/ZHP 19x9.5 wheels from Schmiedmann a few years ago.

that makes sense since the only times i paid for customs/duties fee is for supersprint headers direct from SS and csl trunk from schmiedmann. i've had order totals exceed $800, but it makes more sense knowing it has to do with item value