frame Japan -> EU ; avoid customs

Hi,

so what's the best way to circumvent import customs when buying a used frame in japan?
Have it sent to a friend in japan and have him send it back?

Thanks

Move to Japan.

I expected "go earn more money and pay your customs" but this is also quite helpful, poetic.

go earn more money and pay your customs

This, I'm afraid - you're not Amazon or Google.

You’re bringing something new, bought abroad into the country, you have to pay tax on that.
You can move your own assets overseas without paying import duty but you would have to prove that you bought it there and paid tax on it and that all you’re doing is now moving it within your possession to another country. I suspect having just bought it, you wouldn’t be able to prove that or you’ll be charged anyway and will have to try and claim it back.

TLDR you can’t, pay it.

Get it marked as a sample or under £100?

Only sometimes works. Import duty is worked out as a percentage of their estimate of its value, not what’s marked on the box

@ PhilDAS No no, it is a used frame, so sombody did already pay the sales tax. But without receit.. ok this makes sense. thx

@InternetFamous yes I always try this with stuff I order in china but every item so far got fished out by customs.

Worth a try getting a friend to send it then and maybe writing on the box something like "gift to friend" or similar then?

Edited.

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Don't do this either: holiday in Japan, bring frame back, walk nonchalantly through the 'nothing to declare' customs exit.

Pretty useless if you didn't actually want a holiday in Japan though.

Consider the time you have already invested into trying to avoid this charge, then add it to the time you will probably spend doing what @Señor_Bear suggested.

Take all that time, focus and attention and apply it to something more substantial and important to you.

The slightly nicer bike at a very slightly reduced price will make you happy for an hour. It’s not worth your time.