The Diecast Zone · Model Car Club Since 1997
Diecast Collector Forums
Eight forums, every scale, and thirty years of shop talk — new arrivals, restorations, reviews, and the finds you won’t see posted anywhere else, with the full archive back to 2002 restored and searchable. Free to Register.
8Forums
195,000+Topics
1,276,000+Posts
10,000+Members
1997Research From
Notifications
Clear all
Forum 43
6
Posts
4
Users
20
Reactions
154
Views
Topic starter
04/10/2026 8:56 am
I came across an Ave 43 model I've been looking for but it's in Spain. Made in China, of course.
I'm just wondering what I would be getting into with customs and any other fees. I'm trying to avoid surprises.
04/10/2026 10:49 am
one small box from the UK, with an old toy car made in Denmark. Was undervalued on form but had to pay sales tax on it on ebay... No tariff attached. Made in China could be completely different though....
04/10/2026 12:56 pm
It depends on the listing sometimes. Read the listing, does it indicate duty fees paid at purchase or before delivery. Sellers on eBay go both ways. The country of origin for the purchase dictates the tariffs charged, not usually where the model was made. My experience goes all over the place with these, although lately it is much smoother than before. The last few, have been charged prior to delivery, the shipping company contacts me via email, I make payment on their site and the model is delivered. As I said, fees vary based on the country. I'm not sure about Spain, because they are one of the countries that I had issues with, in the beginning of this nightmare. I haven't bought anything from there lately. Although, I found a couple of Mustang models I'd like to have. Good luck. Generally, it should be a smooth transaction, albeit with a few more steps involved.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Topic starter
04/10/2026 1:13 pm
@jcarnutz Yes, I did check the listing and it said I'd have to pay the shipping company vs. eBay. I'd prefer the other way for certainty.
Thank you for your input, John.
04/10/2026 7:06 pm
I buy from China frequently and they include all customs costs, but they do charge VAT at 19.9%, which is the German VAT.
Topic starter
05/10/2026 9:02 am
I went back to the eBay listing and saw on close up that 2 of the tires on the model look flat/melted. That's an easy decision now, PASS.