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Post by bourno on Mar 31, 2013 10:59:37 GMT -5
hey guys,
Is there an item value price where we would need to pay an import duty from overseas to receive an item from the postal service?
The item will be shipped to me via EMS and marked as Gift, so should arrive quickly and hopefully more safely. Just curious as to what value for insurance is best before if any duty may need to be paid. I am not certain, but thought personal items didn't have any duty for us.
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Post by wakeupheavy on Mar 31, 2013 11:16:19 GMT -5
I think it's extremely rare for an individual to be charged import duty here in the States.
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Post by luclin999 on Mar 31, 2013 15:15:15 GMT -5
It seems to be hit or miss. I personally have never been charged any customs fees for the items I have had shipped in from overseas however I have heard of it happening to others on occasion.
For insurance purposes, they will only pay out for damage or loss up to the item's declared (and insured for) value. So if you are concerned about it potentially being lost then you should probably list the full replacement value for the item.
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Post by zeomare on Mar 31, 2013 16:34:18 GMT -5
hi in over a decade ordering stuff from overseas (hundreds of items) i have never heard of a person in the usa getting hit with a custom import fee. i do not think you have to worry
chris
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Kinzoku
Rusty Robot
Cute but deadly (*^_^*)
Posts: 75
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Post by Kinzoku on Apr 1, 2013 11:58:08 GMT -5
Hey Bourno,
Well, from my non US experience, most times I bought anything EMS shipped to France, even if it's declared as a 'Gift' with a really low value, I still end up paying import taxes. Seems in some countries, when they see 'EMS' they automatically assume it's valuable. Even if the declared value is low, and it's a 'Gift'. You still pay because the item has been in customs and essentially, yo get charged for their 'time'. If it's not a 'Gift' or the value exceeds a certain amount you get charged for both custom duties AND import tax.. On the other hand, whilst living in the UK, I very rarely got charged for any EMS parcels( and god know the size of some of the parcels I used to get!!). So...It's really hit and miss. Also, the country of origin has a lot do do with it too. I know your question was for the U.S, but thought I'd give you my personal opinion/experience from years of buying/selling stuff. Hope it helped somehow...
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Post by cupnoodles on Apr 2, 2013 10:19:16 GMT -5
I have been charged for it once, but I cant remember what for. It wasnt toys though.
It might have been for Japanese whiskey?
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Post by diceone on Apr 2, 2013 15:30:46 GMT -5
Import customs duties taxes are only charged for commercial import/export of items. It isn't about the value of an item. It is about the commercial implications of businesses importing or exporting goods for commercial use. This fee would be assessed and paid at the time of post. Not after some mysterious customs evaluation ritual. IF you did end up paying additional postage, it is often due to incorrect weight, size or other factors that were not declared or paid up front in the first place.
ALWAYS have your items declared value and insured values be the same. And make sure they are both for the full value or else you lose out if anything gets lost/stolen/damaged.
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Post by mildred on Apr 4, 2013 14:24:57 GMT -5
in the USA, toys and books do not attract a customs charge.
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