I want to purchase 40kg of coffee from a retail store Austria. (I love this coffee. It is a year's supply) They will not ship to the US. I will be in Germany and they will ship to Germany. If I had it sent to my hotel in Germany, to be then carried home by me when I leave for the US, is there any way I could recover the VAT?
I did this last year and obviously paid the VAT.
TIA
40kg of coffee ..... (I love this coffee. It is a year's supply)
How many people does this supply?; or the alternate question "Do you ever sleep?"
Cannot directly address you question, but have you seen this https://www.bmf.gv.at/en/topics/customs/travellers/vat-refund.html
( I didn't read through it, so not sure how the story ends)
Do you have to pay duty coming into the US?
While it is possible to claim the 10% VAT refund on food that is being exported, you would need to contact your vendor to see if they participate in the VAT Refund scheme in Austria. They would need to complete their part of the paperwork for you to request the refund when departing Germany.
I want to purchase 40kg of coffee
You also want to check the baggage fees and weight limits on your airline. You will probably need to pack it in two separate bags. You would have 88 lbs of coffee and typically bags have to weigh under 50 lbs on U.S. airlines.
I’d also be concerned that with 40kg, CBP might not think this is for personal use. There are different requirements for commercial import and 40kg might get some extra scrutiny.
p.s. what kind of coffee is it. I want to try it the next time I go to Austria.
How do you store it once you get it home?
If you have brought in that much coffee in the past, then ignore the rest of this post.
If not, I'd suggest contacting CBP and asking about the proper procedure. Remember also that if it costs more than $800 you are also subject to duty penalties. And, as reported earlier, bringing in that much coffee might be seen as a commercial venture.
I usually bring in some coffeec and tea but the amount is negligible and CPB doesn't care. *I do report it.
My error. It is 20Kg, not 40. I store it in my root cellar until I use it. The single Kelo bags last about 2 weeks.
I don't drink, gamble, run around or act the fool (usually). This is my vice. I'm retired and I figure that I have worked for it. I make myself 2 lattes per day. If I bought them at Starbucks, they would be over $8 each. Then there is the cost to drive from home to the store. It adds up fast.
With the cost of my machine, grinder and special coffee, I am still money ahead. The family and I usually take in the Christmas markets in Germany or Austria, so the trip there is a wash.
The coffee is an Italian Espresso from the Julius Meinl Store in Vienna. I just like it. I am sure there is better espresso, but this is what I enjoy. AND, the Warden approves.
Are you aware that Julius Meinl has other shops besides Vienna. (Like in Prague. I was in that shop a little over a week ago.)
Are you aware that Julius Meinle has an online shop that ships to the US?
Are you aware that you can buy Julius Meinl Espresso Beans on Amazon.
Frank, yes I am aware of all of those things. If I were in Prague, I would go to the shop. In regards to on line purchasing, Meinl has two separate entities: The stores and the on-line sales. These are completely separate. The on-line sales as well as the Amazon sales do not sell the exact coffee that I like.
Believe me, I tried those avenues first and struck out. I also asked the store to ship to me. They would/could not.
The VAT is actually 20%. Retail for a 1Kg bag is currently €44.99, so I am talking a substantial cost savings on 20 bags.
Reiterating what jeanm said, the vendor would need to provide you the paperwork when ringing up the sale to enable submitting a refund request.
I have 6 shots of espresso every morning, with cream and half-and-half, so I can appreciate you having the coffee you want.
wow that must be really good coffee.
It costs triple the amount per kg that I pay here in England for an excellent Italian coffee. I can't ever imagine paying that much.
If it is that great I can see why you love it
You're spending, roughly, $1000 USD, I doubt Customs would do any paperwork to make you pay for returning w/over $800. Plus, you can combine your allowance so if it's you and a spouse, you're under the $1600 combined.
Value, of course, includes the VAT, and just declare. You're bringing back some coffee. Enjoy!
