Wheels and Tyres Purchased from Overseas

[Funky_Munky]

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone has ever purchased a set of wheels and tyres from overseas. If so, what should I be on the look out for regarding the info I have to provide and all costs involved, eg customs, gst, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers.

[Clutch22]

Never done it. Customs would be the biggest issue off the top of my head. If there's a speck of dust on it they'll be deciding whether to let you have them or not. Just make sure you buy the wheels/tyres off a legitimate business. Go to their website, look in that country's online phone directory, find out if there's an online ABN (or similar) database.

[planetdavo]

I would SERIOUSLY not recommend buying overseas tyres, unless you can confirm their specs.
Many do not meet standards Australia requires, and can be a downright worry safety wise.

[Oversteer]

Definately check with ADR compliance on them, sure some engine mods arent but wheels and tyres definately should meet Aussie standards. Which country are you going to purchase them from as some are probably better than others in the saftey and quality control aspects of manufacturing

[matthewfnorbert]

i had a set of 245/45/17 on a trailer i imported, japan import tyres.. these tyres had no load or speed rating on them, no wear indicator or inflation data.. although they were ok, when it was time to upgrade i bought local tyres... i would stay clear.

[badnews]

back in the day it was 10% GST and 5% import duties. two weeks ago i got stung $450 for $1300 dollars worth. when i rang them up they said it was 10% of customs value of the item plus duties plus some transport fee (i think 10% of what customs thinks the shipping was worth) and some docking fee or something. either way it was bullshit i thought.

As for tyres, when i purchased my 24's some 4 or 5 years ago i got them with 295/35/24s. they sent me cooper tyres and i still have the same tyres on the rims now and cant complain about them in the slightest. i suppose it would depend on the shop you buy them from whether they are dodgy or not.

[1111111]

Just to add to the thread,has anyone bought a short motor from the states?
is it same import duty & GST?

[Wonky]

I believe anything over $A1,000 will get you hit with GST plus customs fees and charges, which as someone above said could be a percentage of the total cost. I would seriously consider whether or not to do it against how much you are saving. If the GST plus fees and charges is likely to bring you to within a few hundred of the local price then I'd definitely buy locally and save most of the hassles. Also, if you have any warranty problems or concerns with the condition in which they arise it is going to be a lot easier (hopefully!) dealing with someone local.

It's a pity Jeff from Payless Tyres is no longer a sponsor on here as his price on my rims was hundreds less than the next best price I could find.

Maybe ring some customs agents or even DHL. I ran into a problem with the first lot of scangauges I got in for the guys here and until the guy there subtracted off the shipping fees to make the goods less than $A1,000 I was going to get hit with GST plus about $170 in charges. The guys at DHL will know what the charges should be.

[Beejay Cobra]

Having just imported a set of Foose wheels from the states, I can tell you that it is not much of a problem bringing in wheels and tyres from overseas. Just be very careful that you get the details right for offsets etc. - it is a long way to send them back!

In larger sizes, tirerack.com is fantastic for tyres and is very reliable. Delivery within 2 weeks airfreight.

Here is a quote I got recently.

2 34YR8HTRZ3XL 235/40R18 SU HTR Z 3 XL 116.00
2 835YR8HTRZ3 285/35R18 SU HTR Z 3 186.00
Mds Total. 604.00
Sales Tax. .00
Tire Fee . .00
Excise Tax .00
Ship Total 284.68
Total Due. 888.68 $usd

As someone pointed out, orders over 1K attract taxes.

Cheers,

Ben

[TK2795]

Never done it. Customs would be the biggest issue off the top of my head. If there's a speck of dust on it they'll be deciding whether to let you have them or not. Just make sure you buy the wheels/tyres off a legitimate business. Go to their website, look in that country's online phone directory, find out if there's an online ABN (or similar) database.

I agree with Clutch. If there is any dirt whatsoever it will cause a major headache and cost a motza by the time Customs steam clean, fumigate etc. I've heard a couple of horror storys with regards to attempted private import of second hand tyres for early muscle cars etc.

[TYREFRIAR]

We bring in O/S rims and tyres all the time, special order/custom/ and we mostly air freight thede days, only works out about double the cost of sea freight, [$70-80] have them in 4 days.

The biggest issue with tyres is mosquito lavae, if the tyres are open, they have to have to be platic wrapped and come with a certificate regarding mosquito lavae, unless they are new, from the manufactuer/reseller.

Goods over $1000 incur duty and taxes, unless they are samples or warranty replacements, or gifts, on the "shipping" invoice.

[Beejay Cobra]

Why would anyone bother with second hand wheels or tyres?

Certainly no issues with new stuff.

Ben

[Wonky]

I believe from what Funky said in the chatbox he is talking new stuff.

[blackbettyhsv]

Im currently getting prices from the tyre factory in dandy, they import from oversees all time, let some one like that do all the work for you

[lampshade]

I recently had a set of wheels imported from the U.K, as they wasnt available to buy here, didnt bother with importing the tyres as it would of pushed up the cost of air freight far too much.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/lampshade1/DSCN6318.jpg

[Funky_Munky]

Thanks for the replies guys. It seems like importing has its pros and cons. I think Ill just have to do a little more research before I make up my mind.

Regarding the who customs fee and all that jazz, I have recently purchased a camera overseas and it is with customs at the moment. Is there any way to ascertain wether I will be hit with taxes for the product?

[TYREFRIAR]

if it has an invoice with it for more than $1k aus, or wasnt a gift, it will have taxes and duties.

[Wonky]

if it has an invoice with it for more than $1k aus, or wasnt a gift, it will have taxes and duties.

What he said! :yup:

[NefariousLS1]

so just get it sent as a gift lol