I doubt that you will have any hope of recovering the duty paid. The importer cannot obtain exemption without proper documentation, and in some countries there is no way to declare a temporary import. I am assuming the country where you bought the item is China?Im not really importing.
I sent them a device for calibration. And they should send it back when this job is done.
Since it is a expensive piece of equipment i declared it as temporary export/import. This will avoid the customs fees. They failed to do the neccessary paperwork and paid the duty. Now they want me to cover customs fees.
I need some negotiation tactics advice to make them pay this.
I see no other outcome here that i have to pay it myself, because they have my equipment etc...
But maybe tou guys have some ideas i could try?
You should have arranged appropriate documentation in advance, so that they could claim it as a temporary import. The proper documentation is known as a Carnet. (Pronounced as CarNay). The type of Carnet accepted by China since the beginning of this year is known as an ATA Carnet.
Carnets are purchased from companies specializing in these Customs guarantee documents. Cost varies according to the value of the item. It generally ranges between $200 and $400.
The bad news for you is that unless your supplier provides a carnet or you buy one, you will almost certainly pay duty again when the item arrives in your country.
The only hope I can offer to minimize your losses is to consult a Customs Broker who might find a way for you to make a declaration that will enable you to avoid paying that second lot of duty. Of course if the duty will be less than the cost of a Carnet, you will just have to pay the duty and cut your losses.
For the benefit of other readers I suggest that before venturing into DIY sourcing and importing, the very least you should do is read through my AMA GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist. Or if you want more complete education you might consider whether my book will provide you with a good ROI.
Walter
P.S. NEVER under declare the value of goods.