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Important information for overseas customers wishing to send equipment to us for repair / service

The only way we can receive overseas repairs, servicing or repaints is by DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

Sending Your Leica Equipment to Us for Repair from outside of the UK

 

At cameraworks-uk, we strive to make the repair process as simple as possible while ensuring smooth handling through customs. Don’t worry—the customs section can seem complicated at first, but it’s simpler than it looks. Just follow our clear steps, and you’ll have everything completed in no time. If you’re unsure about anything, feel free to contact us—we’re here to help.

 

Please follow these guidelines when sending your equipment:

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1. Shipping Method:

​We only accept repairs sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This ensures all customs charges are pre-paid, preventing delays in processing your equipment. All major parcel carriers offer this service.

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2. Customs Declaration:

When completing the customs form, we recommend the following:

 

  • Description: Clearly state “Leica [Camera/Lens etc] sent for repair.”

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  • HS code. These are sometimes called 'commodity' or 'tariff' codes. These are simple 6 digit internationally recognised codes that describe exactly what is being sent. Below this article is a list of common codes that you can copy/paste. If you send a camera as well as a lens or lightmeter etc, make sure you list these separately along with their HS codes, description and value etc.

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  • Customs Value: Use the appropriate repair service/s cost from our pricelist as the declared value. For example, if your chosen service is £399, use this amount.

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  • Informational Value: For additional context, include a note of the equipment’s market value. For example, “Estimated market value: £1,500 for informational purposes only". Use the Additional Information section for this.

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  • Reason for Export: When completing the “Reason for Export” section on customs forms, options may vary. If a clear choice such as “Repair” or “Maintenance” is unavailable, selecting “Other” is appropriate. In such cases, include additional information like “Equipment sent for repair – no change in ownership” to clarify the purpose of the shipment. This helps ensure accurate processing by customs authorities.

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  • Customs Procedure Code: When sending your equipment to us for repair, it’s helpful to include "CPC 6121 - No Change in Ownership" on your customs declaration. Use the 'Additional Information' section for this. This code specifies that the shipment is being sent for repair and explains the customs valuation process. Including this ensures a smoother experience with customs and reduces the risk of delays or incorrect charges.

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3. Choosing the Right Repairs/Service:

  • Please review our price list to select the service/s you require. Use this as the basis for your customs declaration.

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4. Packaging Advice:

  • Ensure your equipment is securely packaged to avoid damage in transit. Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box, and avoid including accessories unless necessary for the repair. Make sure labels are printed and securely attached along with three copies of the CN23 customs form in a document wallet.

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5. Confirmation:

  • Once your equipment is shipped, email us the tracking details at admin@cameraworks-uk.com so we can anticipate its arrival.

 

By following these steps, you help streamline the process and ensure a quick turnaround. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Returning Your Repaired Equipment

 

When returning your repaired Leica equipment, we follow specific procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance:

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1. Customs Valuation:

  • We declare the cost of the repair, not the value of the equipment. For example, if we serviced a Leica M3 for £399, this repair charge is used as the customs valuation. No VAT is added to this amount.

 

2. Customs Procedure:

  • We use a special customs procedure to notify authorities of the repair cost. While we include an estimated market value for the equipment (e.g., “Market value: £1,500”) for informational purposes only, this does not affect the customs valuation.

 

3. VAT Charges in the EU:

  • When your equipment returns to the EU, VAT is typically charged based on the repair cost (e.g., £399), as it would be for repairs conducted domestically. This means VAT is approximately £79. Additionally, customs may apply a small administration fee.

 

4. Import Duties:

  • EU Customers: For most Leica equipment, no import duties are applied since the items are typically tariff-free. In rare cases, equipment manufactured outside the EU may incur a duty of approximately 6%.

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  • USA Customers: Import taxes may vary depending on your location. If the repair cost is below the $800 de minimis threshold, import charges are unlikely.

 

5. Responsibility for Import Charges:

  • Import charges are calculated by your local customs or tax authorities and remain your responsibility. If you believe the charges are incorrect, most authorities provide a process for challenging their calculations.

 

We aim to ensure that your equipment is returned to you as smoothly as possible. If you have any specific concerns about customs or import charges, please contact us before shipping.

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Common HS / Tariff Codes you can use on customs documentation:

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​Leica 35mm film camera - rangefinder, compact or SLR: 9006.53.80

Leica M8, M9, M10, M11: 8525.80.90

Leica Interchangeable Lens: 9002.11.00

Any accessory or spare part such as a Telemeter: 9006.91.00

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