Import/export of mining hardware

[64dimensions]

There is a lot of frustration over the import/export of mining hardware.

I am not a subject matter expert but I do have some real world experience in the export/import of technical items.

Import/export throughout the world is governed by the Harmonized Tariff Code. This code has many chapters and the language, at least in American english, is archaic sounding.

When reading the HTC, one has to remember that in the technical sections, the drafting was done using the technology jargon of the time and in such a (nontechnical) way so that the customs staff can get a handle on what you are shipping. Imagine someone in 1962 describing a personal computer. Computing hardware falls under chapter 84. I believe the harmonized tariff code for mining hardware is 8471 41 0150. The US description of this is "Digital ADP machines with CPU and input/output unit, without CRT, NESOI". NESOI means "not elsewhere specified or included".

In most cases only the first 6 digits are required. So the HTC would be 847141. Sometimes eight digits, so 84714101.  If you google 847141 you will get: "Other automatic data processing machines:
comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit,whether or not combined"

A key point of the HTC is that you are trying to shoehorn something into a category which best covers the item in question.

So what's the point. By using a standard tariff code, which is internationally understood, exporters can save customers grief because the duties/taxes can be consistently applied. Customs officials have a book in their jurisdiction which lays out exactly for every HTC what the duties are.

 By using an HTC, customers can know what their upfront costs are. BY HAVING NO TARIFF CODE, importers/exporters are leaving it up to the local customs unit to make a determination. Customs officials will not dispute the HTC as long as people do not do something egregious or stupid in classifying technical items. You can google a specific HTC on the internet for your country and find out what the duties/taxes are for any specific HTC code.

Finally, most international waybills (Fedex, UPS, USPS) have a space for the harmonized tariff code. If there is no space I will write in the 6 digit HTC in any comments section.

If this article has been helpful: 1BAuySSna15dthrAnEB1QnnRQyRvH8zVCa

Thanks!

 

[brontosaurus]

Very useful information indeed. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

[64dimensions]

All,

There is a lot of current discussion about HTC codes in various forums. I think this is worth bringing back from the dead.

[marvykkio]

the problem and what the seller says, today I spoke with customs, fedex
and he told me that the code taric declares customs vendor,
what I did not explain it because being componendi hardware for data processing in the same housing, you have to pay the duty?
I opened a survey to ascertain the statements that bitmain send at customs, but no one is voting, this is bad, because we can save money,
we all know that governments steal of all, this is because each one of us does not notice, or does not care, or is convinced that the seller kind bitmain declares the right,
but are we really sure about all this?


please Rated

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1318137.0

[padrino]

This may only apply to Bitmain but...

For one of my large orders in 2013, and also 2014 I discussed this with Bitmain.. They specifically do not declare HTC codes since they do not want to get in any disagreements with countries over the declaration, I even asked multiple times to have my shipments declared with a specific code I know works for customs in the US and they said they would not..

With respect to the "duty" I see some people paying, even if marked with a code that does not require duty there is a customs processing fee imposed by UPS for processing, this is a fee paid to them for the privilege of UPS importing the goods. I have also had to pay it for $2500+ plus shipments from FedEx and DHL, but not for all shipments..

[Biodom]

This may only apply to Bitmain but...

For one of my large orders in 2013, and also 2014 I discussed this with Bitmain.. They specifically do not declare HTC codes since they do not want to get in any disagreements with countries over the declaration, I even asked multiple times to have my shipments declared with a specific code I know works for customs in the US and they said they would not..

With respect to the "duty" I see some people paying, even if marked with a code that does not require duty there is a customs processing fee imposed by UPS for processing, this is a fee paid to them for the privilege of UPS importing the goods. I have also had to pay it for $2500+ plus shipments from FedEx and DHL, but not for all shipments..

that is not a valid argument from Bitmain since other companies, SPT in particular, DID show a specific code and it never was a problem.

[marvykkio]

I have applied to a code that includes a payment of € 129.44 of duty

and this code was applied by bitmain, and not by the Italian Customs, or by fedex

[VirosaGITS]

My S7 was received with the code 8471410090. So i guess Bitmain do declare a code after all. The code is labeled "BITCOIN MINER". They also declared the right value, albeit minus counting the discount.

[Tupsu]

I have applied to a code that includes a payment of € 129.44 of duty

and this code was applied by bitmain, and not by the Italian Customs, or by fedex

In all my Bitmains Commercial Invoices   has always been a box -  commodity code -empty.

And these Commercial Invoices  are over 90 000 USD through several years.  Last from 17.12.2015 and still emty.
I just can not believe that someone would fill it for Italy.

[notlist3d]

Snip
I opened a survey to ascertain the statements that bitmain send at customs, but no one is voting, this is bad, because we can save money,
we all know that governments steal of all, this is because each one of us does not notice, or does not care, or is convinced that the seller kind bitmain declares the right,
but are we really sure about all this?
Snip

I got the the heart of it.  I don't think it's that no one cares it's just that it's the government that has high vat/import tax.  You can get mad at bitmain for making it full value or what it is declared.... but at end of day it is the government who is making you pay crazy import tax. With you being in Europe it is quite high in a lot of places.

I personally would suggest a lot of Europe on big miners to find a data center outside of Europe.  You can question and pool all you want it won't change your governments import tax. No matter who files it in or what it's filled out to the government is one getting the tax.

And I don't mean to seem un-caring. I think it stinks for EU miners on import/vat taxes.  I wish it was cheaper so it was easier to mine there.  Im all for people beiong able mining.   But my wishing it was cheaper does not change governments taxes.

[marvykkio]

this is not a VAT, only the customs duty, which is calculated according to the code that declares the seller,
if the seller does not declare anything, the Customs Code applies to his liking,
this is what I mean.
if you see in the survey although it is still little, and see that buying the same product from the same company, we have different codes, which is why there are those who pay the duty, and those who do not pay.
bitmain not to change anything if it puts the code, it is important to declare the exact price to pay VAT.
and this survey does just that.
Now if you want to help me thank you very much, in the end I'm working for all users who buy from bitmain.

the way, you will remember the survey to increase the guarantee from 30 to 90 days? well bitmain I received the email, and I wrote that will consider our survey, when I have a more decent publish it on the forum.

all this means collaboration between users who believe in this forum.

thanks to everyone for voting.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1318137.0