TRS Single item claim and Inbound declaration

[_TheTraveller_]

I have an invoice for $2666 but I'll only be claiming one item worth $1979, is this permitted? Additionally, do we have to declare the items even though we know depreciation will put the item under the threshold? I'm travelling in 60 days with my partner and with 10% depreciation it would put me under the $1800 threshold. Do I still declare on the way in?

 

[Hvr]

Yes. They'll be looking for you to declare it and if you don't they'll do an intimate examination of you and your luggage.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Yes. They'll be looking for you to declare it and if you don't they'll do an intimate examination of you and your luggage.

So are you suggesting that I'm better off declaring it and let them do their math and then get waved through?

 

[Hvr]

Absolutely yes. I've been there and done this. Once you declare it life is easy and they're looking for a way to get rid of you.

 

[phily]

Yes. They'll be looking for you to declare it and if you don't they'll do an intimate examination of you and your luggage.

I disagree that "they'll be looking for you". If you are stopped for some other matter that results in a comprehensive search of your belongings and a search of their various databases then they could become aware that you claimed the GST at the TRS office.

For a couple the limit is $1,800, and IIRC the depreciation applied is 20%, and even then they don't bother with small amounts of GST or duty to be paid. I've returned from OS alone and declared items worth $2,000, and once was sent to the cashier's desk, and once was waved through.

 

[bwhouse]

I disagree that "they'll be looking for you". If you are stopped for some other matter that results in a comprehensive search of your belongings and a search of their various databases then they could become aware that you claimed the GST at the TRS office.

I agree, in my experience, I have never been stopped and questioned about items that have been TRS's on the way out of the country.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think a lot depends on the items involved and the amount of tax claimed. Luxury bags, watches (etc) they may be on the look out for, and whether for personal use of potentially for re-sale or carried for friends.

 

[Cynicor]

Would agree that they are not in the lookout. Have claimed multiple large cost items and my e-gate slip on re-entry is never different to my brother's, who departs AU on a different flight.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Thanks. I'll probably just skip declaring it since technically after 60 days it would have depreciated by 10%. The item I'm getting a refund for is a Camera so no luxury goods here!

 

[andyhui01]

I claimed $1500 GST on a watch last year which was a present for my folks. Got stopped and asked about the watch on my next 2 entries within 30 days. The first time, they searched my bag for my watch. Asked about the one on my wrist which looks 10 years old as it was the same brand despite being very different. 2nd time, a no was sufficient.

Never had any issues with stuff $2-3k. But I do believe that the TRS agent has the option to put a note on your file for immigration to mark your passenger card or egate ticket for the customs agent.

 

[Cynicor]

Did you use the egate? Where and when did they stop you- was it from the letter on your egate slip?

 

[andyhui01]

Did you use the egate? Where and when did they stop you- was it from the letter on your egate slip?

Yes. If you look at the eGate ticket, I think there is some code printed on it. When I was dropping off the inbound passenger card before customs, the officer looked at the egate card and directed me to the screening lane despite having nothing declared.

 

[Austman]

with 10% depreciation

IIRC the depreciation applied is 20%

Does anyone know exactly what the depreciation is? Is it published anywhere? Is it discretionary?

 

[Cynicor]

Yes. If you look at the eGate ticket, I think there is some code printed on it. When I was dropping off the inbound passenger card before customs, the officer looked at the egate card and directed me to the screening lane despite having nothing declared.

Yep, it's a revolving daily code, with one letter meaning no red flags on entry. Sounds like certain people may get flagged, or certain stories when claiming items or item categories.
We need more data to figure it out- HVR; may we ask the value and type of item you claimed to make the system trigger you?

 

[andyhui01]

Yep, it's a revolving daily code, with one letter meaning no red flags on entry. Sounds like certain people may get flagged, or certain stories when claiming items or item categories.
We need more data to figure it out- HVR; may we ask the value and type of item you claimed to make the system trigger you?

Rolex Yachtmaster ~$16k (I can't remember the exact figure). However, I was warned multiple times by the TRS agent about bringing it back in even though I stated it was a gift. So getting picked up wasn't surprising. The 2nd time was as I was in a hurry and didn't expect to get stopped.

There has to be more information than a single letter. The customs agent specifically asked if I had a watch on me.

 

[Cynicor]

They have 26 letter to choose from...
I assume when they send you to a baggage check desk the agents there have a manifest or list of some sort that would reference the passengers who are being pulled up.
If they have a computer at the desk it could easily be realtime.

Unless you mean the agent checking the cards, who redirects you? (But I'm about 95% sure it's a single letter).

 

[andyhui01]

They have 26 letter to choose from...
I assume when they send you to a baggage check desk the agents there have a manifest or list of some sort that would reference the passengers who are being pulled up.
If they have a computer at the desk it could easily be realtime.

Unless you mean the agent checking the cards, who redirects you? (But I'm about 95% sure it's a single letter).

The agent searching the bag. I could tell he was specifically after something, I had 3 packs of cigarettes and they didn't even check to see if the 3rd pack only had 10 sticks. After about 30secs-1 min, he looks up and asks if I have a watch on me. I showed him mine (Rolex but a completely different model) and he ask why I did not declare it. I let him have a closer look and told him this is 10 years old, they don't even sell this particular one anymore and I wasn't aware that I had to declare it as it was with me when I left Australia. He walks away and after a min, he said I was free to go.

 

[Cynicor]

Yeah, I think they get a list of some sort, either electronic or paper. There is precious little info on the ticket (I've spent a bit of time comparing them for exactly this reason), even though my TRS purchases mostly end up in Singapore. I'm quite curious about it!

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Does anyone know exactly what the depreciation is? Is it published anywhere? Is it discretionary?

I think its discretionary but its applied most of the time when entering back in. I put 10% as a conservative estimate so that even with 10% I would be under $1800. Most of the time 20% is quoted.

 

[Cynicor]

Wonder how you dispute a valuation, if you even can?