Import duty/tax

[iamjames]

I have seen somewhere here where Import tax is high in the Philippines. Just a tip on how to get around this. Generally they are not after the small, once-off item in any country. I imported $50,000 of Harley parts for choppers to Ireland without paying any duty. I simply got a contact in the US to whom they were sent as required or available. He in turn repacked them (so they don't look like factory wrapped) and labelled the packages 'repaired under warranty' or 'replaced under warranty' ... etc. before forwarding them by UPS. I have brought all kinds of items into various countries this way (even a wedding dress into Spain!) and never had a problem. 
  But don't tell everyone....... 

[Metz]

It works Until your helper/relative/neighbor runs their mouth and someone with a ax to grind uses it against you.  Filipinos take pleasure out of making foreigners "get their just desserts" you more than likely will never know where the troubles came from but it will prob start with some sullen driver, or maid, or helper full of envy. 

[BudM]

It works Until your helper/relative/neighbor runs their mouth and someone with a ax to grind uses it against you.  Filipinos take pleasure out of making foreigners "get their just desserts" you more than likely will never know where the troubles came from but it will prob start with some sullen driver, or maid, or helper full of envy.

Could you possibly be a little more specific so that I have a better understanding?  Is that some of them, quite a few of them, a lot of them, half of them, majority of them, most all of them, or all of them?

[Gray Wolf]

If anyone feels as though you are getting away with something, it is likely something will be said about you.  The initial comments may be innocent and not negative, but whether it is just or unjust, real or imagined, once they say something to the right (or wrong) person, you are the one on the hot seat.

I do not recommend to anyone that they take the advice offered by our friend IamJames.  Doing so could get you in a heap o' trouble.  Playing by the rules is hard enough.  Bending the rules is asking for trouble and will definitely come back to bite you in the ass!

[coleman2347]

If your not in a hurry, just sent whatever, Balikbayan Box...

[iamjames]

I do not recommend to anyone that they take the advice offered by our friend IamJames.  Doing so could get you in a heap o' trouble.  Playing by the rules is hard enough.  Bending the rules is asking for trouble and will definitely come back to bite you in the ass!

  I am not talking about importing a factory - just once off items. If there are questions asked just simply pay the tax for the sake of peace but this has never happened to me. No law broken there. My ass has never had teeth marks (that I am aware of). 

[Gray Wolf]

  I am not talking about importing a factory - just once off items. If there are questions asked just simply pay the tax for the sake of peace but this has never happened to me. No law broken there. My ass has never had teeth marks (that I am aware of). 

I understand what you are saying and what you have done.  But many times the import duty for a particular piece of equipment/machinery/motorcycle can and will be charged an amount equal to or even exceeding the original purchase price.  If you are willing to gamble and possibly pay twice as much for your Harley-Davidson trying to skirt customs regulations, you'd actually save money by purchasing new at Harley-Davidson Manila.     

Having said that, I know personally of an individual who bought a new Harley-Davidson in the US, then disassembled it into it's major components and shipped it mostly in balikbayan boxes via container.  When his container arrived, he un-crated and un-boxed the components and reassembled his motorcycle.  He still rides it to this day.  Did he save money?  Yes.  Did he break any laws?  No, not really.  Did he take a large gamble on getting caught?  Absolutely!  And with the additional scrutiny of incoming balikbayan boxes these days it is likely that this plan would not work again.  It's one thing to make the most of your shipping privileges and another situation entirely if you push the limits too far.  And unfortunately the Philippines decides.

You have no bite marks on your ass yet, but don't try to bypass customs security too often.   

[suzukig1]

  I am not talking about importing a factory - just once off items. If there are questions asked just simply pay the tax for the sake of peace but this has never happened to me. No law broken there. My ass has never had teeth marks (that I am aware of). 

...I know personally of an individual who bought a new Harley-Davidson in the US, then disassembled it into it's major components and shipped it mostly in balikbayan boxes via container.  When his container arrived, he un-crated and un-boxed the components and reassembled his motorcycle.  He still rides it to this day.  Did he save money?  Yes.  Did he break any laws?  No, not really...

I don't know if it's an actual law but there are rules against shipping car and motorcycle parts to reassemble them.  If caught you won't be allowed to register the vehicle with the LTO.