Shipping a unit to France

phbillard

Hello everybody

I have few question as I about to buy a unit and import it in France.
Has anyone ever done it ?
What is the code for a rebreather for customs ?
What is the code for a VR3 for customs ?
What is the "expected" amount of VAT/tax/... I will have to pay ?
Any incidence on writting "sent back for repair/warranty" ?

Thx for your help

Philippe

Guilhem

What unit do you intend to buy and where from ? Customs and vat is like playing cards, odds are high you lose . If it's in the UK, it may be cheaper to hop onto the next EasyJet flight to London and pick the machine over there.

PS: hey, we're neighbor, where do you dive ?

phbillard

The unit would come from the US.
I'm even considering to go and pick it up directly, but the problem stays the same, I will have to declare it as I enter France, no ?

PS: I live in Grasse (06)

caverkevin

I have been in and out of Nice airport with tons of gear and no duties, taxes or VAT issues. I came to France with two Gavins and a ton of OC gear in baggage. Then Rubis brought over my Zeuxo scooter last year, no issues, it was still in the shipping box. Keep a low profile and say you are on holiday. Hawaiian print duffel bags scream tourist.

I have had two gear issues at Cote d'Azur. Security told me I had to check my lead acid batteries that were in my carry on when we went to Scapa. When I left France I got called to the flight line to open a bag. Some reason four second stages with brass air barrels inside a Halcyon pro-14 look like four hand grenades on X-ray.

Bonne Chance!!!

Kevin

Rubis

Hi !

I had issues LEAVING Nice airport with the Zeuxo, because it looked like a torpedo.

I have not had issues in the US going in in may, but keep in mind I had a green card, so It was probably easier for me.

On the way in in Nice, they usually look if you have more than three bags.
If you come from Paris, they usually don't look very closely.
If you keep it low profile and you can easily fit it in a normal suitcase (so that it does not scream "scuba gear") you should be fine. Also it can be your equipement you're travelling with for going on vacation.

Also, when you items look flashy they might end up getting stolen

edasque

Philippe,

I'd wait until someone trustworthy goes to France and brings your rebreather with him/her. That way, no state tax, no import tax, nothing.

Erik