Buy lens via Ebay from Japan to the US - taxes and VAT?

For the very low probability of getting duty on a lens, I would purchase from a Japanese seller. So long as he uses EMS.

Now I learn that I was ripped off on that F3!!!!
 
Forgot to mention: I've only ever paid import duty twice, on items that were shipped via UPS and FedEx. Everything I've bought from Japanese sellers has been shipped EMS.

G
 
Hi all - many thanks for the comprehensive and informative responses..much appreciated!! Based on the good experiences from the majority above, I think I will purchase the lens from Japan, top rated seller using EMS..

As for the comments above, I have no doubt that Japanese camera sellers know that they are talking about and puts personal honor into providing a good quality product and transaction. I was in Japan last year and it was a very memorable and exciting experience to visit various camera stores and to buy a camera..the prior inspection by the show owner before I bought the camera was almost ceremonious and most certainly in-depth. However, the pitfall on the internet is that you can´t really assess the product or seller before pressing the button, hence it´s reassuring to get your postive feedback..

Cheers, Andreas
 
photomoof said:
Just to be clear, was it import duty or broker's fee?

35mm cameras seem to zero tax. Lenses 2.45%. Maybe someone can decipher this doc?
http://www.usitc.gov/publications/docs/tata/hts/bychapter/1201c90.pdf
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Broker fee or import duty .. I don't remember. It wasn't much money, around $20-30 each time (I don't recall the specific items either but I'm sure they were things valued at $400-500). I know I called the shippers and discussed it at the time, but can't recall the breakdown of what I was being charged for at this point. It was a while ago, shipping from the UK or EU.

G
 
gdi said:
Are you talking about in the US? If so, there absolutely are duties (no VAT, of course) on personal items from other countries - subject to some specific rules.

But, it sounds more like I have been unlucky in my few recent purchases, and not all shippers will charge, or not all customs processes are equal. It may very well have been the service that was used by the seller. I know that one item I received a while back shipped via FedEx.

In that case, I was surprised to see a bill from the shipper for my $2000 lens from Singapore. I reviewed the code and thought no duty was due, so I inquired of CBP to clear it up. Following is the exchange resulting from my web form query:

Me:
"Hello,

I recently purchased a used film camera lens from someone in Singapore. I bought this for my personal hobby use and the value was $2000 I had read the harmonized code and saw that the Singapore trade act phased out all duties in 2013. The seller sent this via FedEX and FedEx are now are demanding I pay them duties and a fee.

I believe they have mis-categorized my import and I do not owe any duties, could you please clarify, or confirm the situation?

Thank you"

The reply:

"The duty is based on what country an item was made in, not what country it is purchased from. The duty rate for most camera lenses is 3-5%, and if the package is shipped with a commercial courier such as FedEx they may charge a customs paperwork fee. I hope this answer helps.

Mark

Internet Purchases
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/internet_purchases.xml"
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Yes, and that's why I posted that very link in my earlier post above. Here's what it says (and why one needs to be sure that the item is sent via EMS/Post Service and not a private service like UPS or FedEx):
  1. Courier Shipping: Goods shipped by courier, express, or other commercial service usually are expedited through CBP by a customs broker hired by that commercial service and then delivered seamlessly to your door. Customs brokers are not CBP employees. There are a number of different charges associated with these services, including shipping and handling, the fees charged by the service for clearing the merchandise through CBP, as well as any Customs duty and processing fees that may be owed on your importation.
Pluses: Get seamless delivery. All you have to do is sign for the package when it arrives. In most cases delivery is quick and reliable. When there's a problem, there is a tracking number that can help resolve the matter.
Pitfalls: Many people have found the various charges and fees levied to be higher than they expected, and sometimes exceed the cost of their purchase(s).
Buyers often have the misunderstanding that when the purchase price includes shipping and handling, all the costs associated with clearing the package through CBP are covered by the seller. They don't realize that brokers fees and CBP duties may be an additional charge that the buyer is responsible for.


Robert Lai said:
Use the mail system (EMS in Japan, or USPS in the USA, or Canada Post, etc). Do NOT use a courier. Courier packages always get opened up and a "customs agent" middleman gets involved to get their cut.
Click to expand...

This.
 
I bought a number of lenses from Japan and other Asian sellers. Never had to declare of pay anything. The postman does not leave stuff without signature, but I just go to the post office or carrier office and pick it up.No problems.
 
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