Greetings all, I'm new to the board, and am in the process of importing a 1997 Defender 90 Wolf, ex-British Army. The vehicle is currently awaiting U.S. Custom's clearance at a Southern California port. For those of you who have imported your own Defender(s), I'm wondering what duty rate you paid. Whether or not Defenders are classified as passenger vehicles (2.5% duty rate) or trucks (25% duty rate) can make a difference of several thousand dollars in the ultimate cost to import the vehicle. I was just told that my vehicle is being assessed at the truck rate, so I'm going to need to cough up an extra $7,000 to clear the vehicle. This is a VERY unwelcome surprise, as I had previously been informed that the 2.5% rate would apply, which for my vehicle would be about $750.
The classification seems quite arbitrary, and I'd like input on what others have paid. I am going to contest the classification with Customs, but the clock is ticking as I'm now paying $70 in storage fees at the port. Add to that, the holidays make clearance particularly slow, as many folks are on leave.
Here's a photo of the machine. I have a line on several other LHD Wolf's with low mileage if others are interesting. Very cool machines!
The classification seems quite arbitrary, and I'd like input on what others have paid. I am going to contest the classification with Customs, but the clock is ticking as I'm now paying $70 in storage fees at the port. Add to that, the holidays make clearance particularly slow, as many folks are on leave.
Here's a photo of the machine. I have a line on several other LHD Wolf's with low mileage if others are interesting. Very cool machines!