Hello,

My girlfriend sent me a gift, the total cost being under 100 CHF. I was lead to believe I wouldn't be charged for import unless the gift total price was over 100 CHF.

I was still charged this bill, which told me I had to pay for the import tax and the right to import. Does anyone know the details about the right to import? And has anyone been able to avoid or contest this bill in any way? Why was I wrongfully charged for the 3.0%, the gift cost was clearly lower than the 550 CHF that they assumed (calculated off the the 3.0% that they assumed)??

If I have a proof of payment, how probable is it for me to be able to contest the bill?

Thank you!

by WangFengEnjoyer

8 comments

  1. What is the context? Who is billing you, is it the Swiss customs themselves or a shipping company?

    What is your reasoning for why one _should_ be able to avoid or contest it?

  2. why would you, you have to pay it according to the rules (that you misinterpreted) so pay up and dont throw a tantrum

  3. Also accoring to the VAT they believe the gift is worth around 550 CHF. Did she file correct customs paperwork when sending the gift? If not maybe they thought that the gift was something else of higher value.

  5. Did the package fulfill all the requirements stated here:
    [https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/home/information-individuals/online-shopping–mail-and-courier-consignments/importation-into-switzerland/gifts.html](https://www.bazg.admin.ch/bazg/en/home/information-individuals/online-shopping–mail-and-courier-consignments/importation-into-switzerland/gifts.html)

    – Below 100 Swiss franks and no tobacco and alchol
    – there was as CLEARY VISIBLE NOTE on the outside of the parcel that it’s a gift

    Additionally, it seems rather suspicious that you’re talking the gift value was <100CHF, but the customs estimated it CHF550. That’s a rather big difference, and lets me believe the value was not properly declared within the shipping papers.

    But you could try to contest the bill by sending the receipt your girlfriend has of the purchase, which proofs that the gifts value was <100CHF following the _appeals against assessments_ link in the text.

  7. First, VAT is levied on the value of the shipment, this means goods value according to the declaration *plus shipping cost.*

    Second, do you have the declaration she filled out on hand? Is everything filled out correctly?

    Third, what are the values given on the calculation? Do they match the declaration?

    If there is indeed an issue, you can contest the clearance but do note that a successful contest costs CHF 30, an unsuccessful 100.

  8. You always have to pay import taxes. They just usually waive them.if the value is less than 100.-. But even then, you have to declare the value using the proper form. The big charge at the bottom is due to the fact that the item (it’s value) was not properly declared. Therefore they had to look it up themselves which they did and assumed around 500.-. Had she declared the value correctly you would only have paid 16.-+3% of the value.

    I once returned an item I paid import taxes on and they would’ve kept around 50.- if I had tried to get the tax back so assume if you make them update the calculation the administrative fee for that will eat up any possible reduction. Especially because all you can contest are the 16.- (3% of +500). All other charges are correct.

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