[Ruth&Mike]

I have been told that if you ship brand new furniture/white goods out with you from the UK on your move you can claim the VAT back off them.
Anyone done this?
It was a quick conversation with someone who went over to NZ three years ago but stated on his move that he bought DFS products then claimed his VAT back.
He suggested speaking with the shippers they would tell me everything, but as we're not going over till 08 not even thought of shippers yet, but could plan to buy a load of new stuff :) as I have seen from the forum its expensive in NZ for that kind of thing.
Any one know?

Regards

[veronica]

I think that this is possible (I think the shippers have to sign a statement declaring it has been shipped) but do be aware that if this is the case then you are liable to pay customs duty at this end. I am not sure but think it would be the 12 1/2% GST (vat equiv) and also import duty. This varies from one type of goods to another, I know for some stuff its 19% and other stuff is exempt.
(always assuming that the customs people know theres new stuff in the container, but then theres the risk of it not being declared and then them finding it.)

[jess]

It would be best if you could use anything new at least once, or take it out of the box and assemble it.

From Customs site
Your household or other related effects (excluding motor vehicles, boats and aircraft) will be admitted free of duty and exempt GST for a reasonable time after your arrive, provided you can meet all of the following requirements:

you are coming to New Zealand with the intention and legal authority to take up or resume permanent residence
you have lived outside New Zealand for the whole of the 21 months before the date of your arrival in New Zealand
you have owned and used the goods before the date of your departure for New Zealand
the goods are for your own personal use and not intended for any other person or persons or for gift, sale or exchange.
More at customs site (http://www.customs.govt.nz/travellers/Household+Effects/When+Customs+Charges+are+Payable.htm).

[Ruth&Mike]

Thanks for the replies.....

I will try and get hold of the person in question and find out how he did it and post his reply. He stated quite a few had done it thats where he got the tip from.

Anything to get some money back from Gordon Brown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jess]

Sorry, you're talking about getting money back from the UK not NZ. I misunderstood and thought you were expecting to pay NZ on the items you brought in, which is why I posted the customs info above.

There is this further bit from cutoms in NZ about taxes in your previous country...
The following goods will not qualify for duty free entry, unless you can establish that the items have had personal use prior to their arrival in New Zealand:

goods shipped directly after purchase to avoid local taxes in the country of export
So even if you buy at the last minute and claim VAT back in the UK, you would be ok with customs in NZ as long as you managed to use the items at least once.

[Ruth&Mike]

Great !!!!!!!

Ill take the wrapper off bounce up and down on it to test it,then ive used it. :D

Thanks a lot for the reply, but I could have shot myself in the foot here and be spending a few hours in furniture shops :uhoh