Hi Everyone
I am new on this site.
I have an opportunity to buy a very nice 1999 KTM 400 EXC as it doesnt have any Import Duty papers, whch makes it an illegal import. The owner broght it in many years ago with household effects in a container and it wasnt on the manifest so wasnt declared, and so no duty was paid.
What i want to know is .. What will happen if I contact customs and explain this and that i would like to make the bike legal by paying the duty?
Will I have to pay a fine also? Whats the official % of value or amount of this fine? Are there any criminal charges possible?
I would like t think that if I approach them voluntarily that they would see this as a positive gesture and be fair ahout it, but many years here makes me acutely aware that its not always what you expect.
Some have suggested there are shipping companies that will add it to a manifest and declare it, paying the official duty to make it fully legal import, thus avoiding any fines or hefty bribes. While not exactly legal at least the Customs Duty gets paid and the bike is legally here, with import papers.
I want to resolve this problem in the mosty legal way I can without etting myself into too much hot water, or unacceptable charges.
Any input based on real/personal experiences much appreciated.
I am new on this site.
I have an opportunity to buy a very nice 1999 KTM 400 EXC as it doesnt have any Import Duty papers, whch makes it an illegal import. The owner broght it in many years ago with household effects in a container and it wasnt on the manifest so wasnt declared, and so no duty was paid.
What i want to know is .. What will happen if I contact customs and explain this and that i would like to make the bike legal by paying the duty?
Will I have to pay a fine also? Whats the official % of value or amount of this fine? Are there any criminal charges possible?
I would like t think that if I approach them voluntarily that they would see this as a positive gesture and be fair ahout it, but many years here makes me acutely aware that its not always what you expect.
Some have suggested there are shipping companies that will add it to a manifest and declare it, paying the official duty to make it fully legal import, thus avoiding any fines or hefty bribes. While not exactly legal at least the Customs Duty gets paid and the bike is legally here, with import papers.
I want to resolve this problem in the mosty legal way I can without etting myself into too much hot water, or unacceptable charges.
Any input based on real/personal experiences much appreciated.