posted on June 28, 2009 06:07:06 PM new
Can someone tell me at what value import duties are charged on items imported into the US please? I have a package that is going to be worth about $500, and if the buyer is going to have to pay duty on it, I could divide it into a couple of boxes. It would go Canada Post and then USPS.
posted on June 29, 2009 06:48:22 AM new
It depends on content and declared value.
Best is to go to US customs website .
It can get tricky,handpainted porcelain figurine is one of a kind artwork and no duty,but if you enter a wrong code say chinaware ,there will be customs duty.
Jade if declared as jewelry versus carvings would be more $$.
If you dont know the code and just write down the description,make sure it is clear enough for the carrier to convert it into the appropriate customs code.
Fed Ex and UPS have customs brokers stationed near Customs office in major cities,to expedite clearance,the brokers will use the writtem description you provided on the package to come up with a US Customs code and look up the fee and prepay it for your customer,then they will collect that fee from your bidder plus a small sum for their effort.
USPS does the same,the fee it charges your customer for taking his package through customs used to be 5 dollars,dont know how much they charge now.
Make sure your customer knows beforehand there could be a customs duty and a service charge from the shipper,some are known to refuse the package if the $$ is too high.
Is there a UPS or Fed Exp Office nearby,ask them and they will tell you,they have them on the computer.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
posted on June 29, 2009 07:27:24 AM new
To avoid the situation that your bidder may refuse the package and then complain to Paypal that he did not receive the package,you can use Fed Exp or UPS and prepaid the customs fee in advance,they will tell you how much the total costs.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
posted on June 29, 2009 10:10:40 AM new
hwahwa: I went to the US customs website and plowed through pages and pages, plus it kept locking up my computer. My package will be new yarn and used craft books, but I just cannot find any reference to such things. There seems to be a $2,000 limit mentioned on some pages. It is very complicated!
posted on June 29, 2009 03:06:36 PM new
I ordered some jewelry once from Ireland,I think the cutoff is 400 dollars ,if it is under 400 for resale,then it is duty free,but it has been years.
Why dont you ask your bidder to do some legwork,afterall he is the one who has to pay,what do you care how much US custom duty he has to pay,he is the one who should do the diligent work!
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
I've bought linens from Canada and never even considered customs duties - nor did I have to pay any. It's been a while, but I think the most I paid was about $240 for one package.
I doubt that you'd get any help from your customer. I suspect most people in the U.S. just don't think about customs duties unless they're coming back from a trip abroad and the flight attendant gives them a form to fill out!
It sounds like getting a definitive answer is going to be next to impossible. If I were you, I'd just go with your first thought and send it in two packages and see what happens.
posted on June 30, 2009 01:23:30 PM new
Thanks cherishedclutter, I think you are right, it have tried very hard to find out, and it seems to be impossible. I think the safest to put it in 2 boxes.
posted on June 30, 2009 03:44:06 PM new
My goodness! Who would imagine that there were so many different types of wool. Mine is not wool at all, but cotton or acrylic, plus there are the books, now a couple of old Christening dresses and some used sewing patterns, so it is really a mixed lot.
I went to the post office today, and they have no idea. They suggested calling US customs, but I really don't know if I want to get into all that. I have sent several "mixed" package for up to $300 before with no problem, so I think dividing them is the way to go. I have written to you buyer to see which she wants me to do, and then if she chooses to have it all in one box and there is duty to pay, at least she is forewarned.
posted on July 1, 2009 10:53:46 AM new
I think if you just say it is yarn,books,arts and crafts,and it is addressed to an individual not company,he may not even have to pay customs duty.
Another source who knows a lot is the freight forwarding company and they will come to the phone.
*
Economic Reform act of Chairman Obama of the socialist States of America :
10 ounces of meat per month,half a yard of cotton per year per adult.
Hellilujah!
posted on July 1, 2009 12:40:02 PM new
hwahwa:Thanks for all your help. I have written to the buyer and explained the situation and asked if they want me to send it all in once package and take the chance. I don't suppose any duty would be any more than the extra cost of dividing the packages anyway, maybe it would just slow down the delivery.
