Speaking of TNT, customs etc:
TNT delivered my empeg to their local agent (representative, whatever) on Wensday (yesterday) morning (it left London Monday evening). Local TNT agent handles import paperwork, customs etc. It was early afternoon before a lady from TNT agent started processing paperwork (note: customs guys take papers, open parcels etc only twice a day). She called me and told me she declared the thing as a computer, and that I am to pay some 22% VAT plus ~$30 for various minor taxes and fees (customs guys charge you for opening and closing the parcel, keeping it in their warehouse etc). Customs guys were supposed to release empeg today afternoon, and I could pick it up myself or wait for TNT delivery tomorrow. In the morning the lady calls again and tells me that customs don't accept neither her computer declaration nor harmonized code. They have browsed through empegs manual and concluded it is a car CD player (which means 8% import duty in addition to VAT). I said 'OK, I'll pay'. A moment before I left for the agent office the lady calls again, telling me that customs agent wanted new invoice, with harmonized code to their liking. The lady, after much arguing with them paints the code over on the invoice copy with that white correction stuff and types in the code they like. Customs guys think it over and decide it is OK. I can come (or wait for the morning delivery) to collect my bill, pay it in a bank or a curious institution we call 'payment clearing agency', and then collect my empeg. Can they just bill me and I will pay later? Sorry, no. Can I pay in their office? Well, yes, but only cash (no CC, no checks). ATM daily maximum is approx $250, my bill is almost $500, so I have to go to the bank anyway. But, finally, it is HERE!
So, yes, it it probably easier in Norway...
Cheers!
Dragi "Bonzi" Raos
Zagreb, Croatia
Q#5196, MkII#80000376, 18GB green
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Dragi "Bonzi" Raos
Q#5196
MkII #080000376, 18GB green
MkIIa #040103247, 60GB blue