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Duties and Taxes
Customs clearance, duties and taxes are applicable to international shipments only.
Upon the return of the repaired or replaced unit to the customer, it is possible that your governments' customs authority may assess duties and/or taxes. We understand that this may seem a double expense of duties and taxes; however, it is usually not the case. While all countries do enforce their own duty and tax laws most countries do not assess duties/taxes twice.
Because it is impossible for Packeteer to provide an explanation for all countries, we can provide the following common methods countries apply duties and taxes on RMA shipments:
- Original unit is imported and duties/taxes are paid. Unit requires repair and must be exported for repair. Some countries allow a "draw back" or refund on the original payment of duties and taxes. Subsequently when the repaired or replaced unit is returned to you, duties and taxes will be assessed. This results in the net payment of duties and taxes one time.
- Original unit is imported and duties/taxes paid. Unit requires repair and must be exported for repair. Some countries require that the defective unit be "registered", inspected, and supporting documents provided at time of export. Subsequently, when the repaired or replaced unit is returned to you, the second import paperwork is matched to the export "registration" documents and duties and taxes will not be assessed. This results in the payment of duties and taxes one time. Keep in mind that some countries require the defective unit to be exported prior to importing the repaired or replaced unit.
- Original unit is imported and duties/taxes paid. Unit requires repair and must be exported for repair. Some countries do not allow a "draw back" or "registration" process. Subsequently, when the repaired or replaced unit is returned to you, duties and taxes will be assessed. This results in the payment of duties taxes two times as required by country law.
To better understand the requirements of your country, your Shipping or Finance department may be able to assist you. If you are not able to identify the proper process to follow utilizing your company's resources you can always consult a tax attorney, customs broker or customs official of your government. If you would like, we would be happy to recommend a customs broker for your country.
Keep in mind that most carriers will hold a shipment for 5 days after arrival in country. After 5 days the shipment will be returned to Packeteer (shipper). We do not recommend you refuse the shipment or ignore requests from carriers regarding the duty and/or tax liability issues. Any shipments that are refused or returned to Packeteer will be reshipped to you at your expense, freight collect.
