05-26-2017, 04:11 PM
Good to know the Panasonic position.
I've only had a look at Sigma UK's position in the past. They will only service a lens if it has had applicable taxes paid. Presumably they can tell from the serial number where it originated from. If not an official UK/EU sourced product, they will accept other proof of import tax payment. It doesn't shut out grey imports totally, but if your reason for a grey import was to dodge taxes, this will kill that reason. I suspect the only way most grey importers get their pricing low compared to official sellers is by, let's call it optimisation of import tax levels.
I've only had a look at Sigma UK's position in the past. They will only service a lens if it has had applicable taxes paid. Presumably they can tell from the serial number where it originated from. If not an official UK/EU sourced product, they will accept other proof of import tax payment. It doesn't shut out grey imports totally, but if your reason for a grey import was to dodge taxes, this will kill that reason. I suspect the only way most grey importers get their pricing low compared to official sellers is by, let's call it optimisation of import tax levels.
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