Hi,

I'm looking at sending a couple of nibs (Pelikan M1000 and M800) across from the UK to Richard Binder for some tuning work. These are nibs that I have acquired in the UK, having paid all the requisite UK taxes. As a result I don't want customs in the UK assessing the nibs value when they are shipped back and getting me to pay VAT again.

Has anyone done this before and have any advice for me?

Thanks very much,
Mark.

Magic words: temporary import for repair only

My postal office asked to to tell seller Or repairman to marks as "Old Parts Pen - For repair" Since they know I have pen come all over the world very offen. I don't know if that apply to your country.

I would discuss this back channel with Richard... he does a lot of overseas shipping and will have the best answer for you...

Of course when you know how to do it, you might want to let the rest of FPN know..... LOL

Exactly what I have been doing!

Barbara responded with:
"We can't be sure you won't pay duty on your returning pens. But we do list the pens as repairs returning to owner and the value as the amount you have paid us for the work done."

I think this should be OK, but will try to check with Royal Mail next week.

Once I have an answer, I'll post it here.

I returned a gold-plated $450 saxophone mouthpiece from Spain to NY, because the plating was faulty.

The proprietor of the company said on the phone that he'd replace it and declare it as 'saxophone parts, value $5' to avoid Customs problems
I said "What if it goes missing?" "Oh, we'll just send you another!" ( I did wonder how much they cost to make!)

(It arrived with no problems, as did another mouthpiece, declared at full value...no tax charged!)

It's also a bit of a lottery, I've found, with pens...you win some(no tax) and you lose some...I'm ahead on points atm, but don't wish to tempt Fate!!

Sent some pens for max for repair recently. Max has asked me to include to cover letter stating the intent. Hope it's ok with his and my customs.

Go to your local main post office (are there any left in Wiltshire?) and tell them what you want to do. They should give you a form you can complete before sending your pens/nibs, which will protect you from paying duty on their return.