Anyone (USA) ordered a camera from Japan this month?

[Horatio]

I'm looking at several but holding off until I have an idea of what the tariffs and fees will be. I would be spending about $1k, do the de minimus would not apply anyway. If you've ordered something, please share your experience.

 

[agentlossing]

I've also considered it (was looking at ordering a GRII), but I'm too scared.

 

[kxl]

Japan tariffs went into effect on August 7th. I did order a camera last month from Kitamura knowing full well I had to pay the tariff (15%), but it was worth it to me. I also paid a customs broker's fee (about $30).

I'm actually traveling to Japan next month, and while I don't think I'll be purchasing any gear, I will now have to register gear that I am taking with me with Customs (CBP Form 4457) prior to departure from the US.

 

[cassel]

The response I received when asking a vendor about a $1200 camera purchase was 15% + 5.8% added (camera-specific tax) - The $800 limit was not a factor when you over that - you're gonna pay that additional 20.8% BUT no one seems to know WHO will collect that payment and when - it's a confusing situation which is why many have pressed PAUSE - even the vendor said I should probably just wait!

 

[Horatio]

The response I received when asking a vendor about a $1200 camera purchase was 15% + 5.8% added (camera-specific tax) - The $800 limit was not a factor when you over that - you're gonna pay that additional 20.8% BUT no one seems to know WHO will collect that payment and when - it's a confusing situation which is why many have pressed PAUSE - even the vendor said I should probably just wait!

Thanks. I’ve read reports of exorbitant fees being added by DHL, probably exaggerated, but bothersome. I’ll definitely wait.

 

[ellisson]

I was looking at a lens in $1000 range from Japanese sellers who I've bought from previously with good service, no problems. item prices were as good or better than anywhere else, but the tariffs offset any advantage. So until things change or at least clarify, I'm holding off.

 

[phranklee]

Bought a $102 Nikon 50mm lens last month, $38 surcharge collected by DHL/FedEx.

Probably last used camera gear I buy from Japan until things change.

 

[Rayt]

I bought a $140 lens hood from Squarehood in Sweden on August 9th shipped DHL and it arrived a week later. I didn’t get an invoice. Swedish product but made in China. Since the exemption for China was cancelled months earlier I was expecting a bill.