Anyone carry back Festool NAINA items from overseas?? Not shipped...

[cue003]

I am not referring to having an items shipped back to the US. I am talking about actually being "there" and buying the item(s) and then getting on a plane to come back to the US.

What is the procedure? 
Do you pay VAT or whatever at time of purchase? 
Did you hand carry it or put it in checked baggage? 
What happened at US customs? 
Were there fees paid to get back into the US?

Please advise. 

Thanks.

 

[mouppe]

I've done it many times.

Yes, you pay VAT, but ask for a VAT receipt at the time of purchase and you will be able to reclaim most of it back when you are at the airport after you pass through security and passport control. There is a dedicated office to handle this at Heathrow.

Usually I check it, but on occasion I had stuff in my hand luggage.

I declared the items when I returned to Canada, but I did not have to pay any duty because I had been away long enough to qualify. Not sure about US procedures.

Bear in mind that many UK dealers do not maintain a large inventory, so order the items in advance to be sure they will have them for you.

Richard.