all musical instruments entering Germany must now go through the RED customs channel

[darklisruthven]

German Customs and the Finance Ministry are making it clear to all concerned that anyone carrying a musical instrument is required to pass through the RED channel when entering the country and the instrument is deemed to be used for commercial (professional) purposes.

Papers have to be supplied to the customs authorities showing the value of the instrument and it has to be declared to the customs agents. They are suggesting that everyone should obtain an ATA carnet to speed up proceedings.

All artists and orchestras on tour should be aware that when travelling in and out of Germany they have to declare their instruments with the proper papers through the RED customs exit.

from http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddi...s-channel.html

[Anniemcc2]

Just tweeted. I wonder why they are doing this ?

[suesjools]

Good question. I've never heard of anyone being attacked with a violin.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[HerMajesty]

Good question. I've never heard of anyone being attacked with a violin.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

It's not the violins you have to worry about, it's the bass fiddles and the euphoniums!

[suesjools]

It's not the violins you have to worry about, it's the bass fiddles and the euphoniums!

LOL, true that.

I remember a certain priest many years ago saying there'd be no sax and violins in his church...

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[adruml]

German Customs and the Finance Ministry are making it clear to all concerned that anyone carrying a musical instrument is required to pass through the RED channel when entering the country and the instrument is deemed to be used for commercial (professional) purposes.

Papers have to be supplied to the customs authorities showing the value of the instrument and it has to be declared to the customs agents. They are suggesting that everyone should obtain an ATA carnet to speed up proceedings.

All artists and orchestras on tour should be aware that when travelling in and out of Germany they have to declare their instruments with the proper papers through the RED customs exit.

from http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddi...s-channel.html

As sellers I believe all we need to worry about is placing the proper value of an instrument on the Customs forms which is the proper/legal way to ship any item instrument or not. Over the years so many buyers have asked me to mark item as a gift so they don't have to pay taxes/customs fees on the item. I'll have nothing to do with that as it's illegal and if something goes wrong the package has no value therefore there is no refund by the postal service. Even when marked as a gift with a value on it the buyer pays fees for that dollar amount.

[suesjools]

As sellers I believe all we need to worry about is placing the proper value of an instrument on the Customs forms which is the proper/legal way to ship any item instrument or not. Over the years so many buyers have asked me to mark item as a gift so they don't have to pay taxes/customs fees on the item. I'll have nothing to do with that as it's illegal and if something goes wrong the package has no value therefore there is no refund by the postal service. Even when marked as a gift with a value on it the buyer pays fees for that dollar amount.

Good point. I also believe in marking customs forms correctly, don't want trouble with the authorities if the package is opened for any reason.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[HerMajesty]

LOL, true that.

I remember a certain priest many years ago saying there'd be no sax and violins in his church...

Best wishes for many sales to all,

giggle - snort!!

[suesjools]

giggle - snort!!

He was a character all right. I also remember him saying 'communion wine, it's not just for communion anymore.'

Best wishes for many sales to all,