[New test photos released] Leica Summicron 35/2 Eight Element copy made in China

[rscheffler]

Do you have the DHL paperwork and what is shown as the item being imported, HTS code, value, etc.?

Maybe a lax DHL employee?

I did a bit of digging on various sites and it appears there indeed is the potential for additional tariffs, beyond those listed in the 'standard' HTS chapters, for goods from China. In the case of photographic items/lenses, some sites indicated an additional 25% tariff under 9903.88.03: additional tariffs on products of China and the applicable HTS heading in subchapter III of chapter 99. For additional information on these additional tariffs, please see U.S. note 20 and the related headings and subheadings to subchapter III of chapter 99. For reference, heading 9903.88.03 became effective on September 24, 2018.

 

[rscheffler]

Also, the correct HTS code may be 9002.11.90 rather than 9002.20.40, which falls under 9002.20: Filters and parts and accessories thereof.

https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=9002

9002.11.90 has a general duty rate of 2.3%. From discussions on other forums over the years, I recall some have been charged this in the past and wondered why. In the Special column you'll note various codes (hover over the code to determine the country), including JP (Japan) from which a large majority of photographic lenses come (or perhaps came) from, which would then be duty exempt. I don't see CN (China) listed. The rates in column 2 refer to imports from Cuba and North Korea.

From what I can gather after a bit of research today, one would first find the appropriate HTS code for the product, then determine in which duty rate column the country of origin would fall (one would have to determine if a country has a trade agreement with the USA). Then one would have to determine if there are any additional tariff rulings applicable in Chapter 99. In the case of 9002.11.90, when you hover the cursor over the "/" character beside the 2.3% rate, it refers you to see HTS codes 9903.88.03 (China 25% tariffs) and 9903.89.37 (Germany 25% tariffs). In this case, for the 'repli-cron,' a it would appear to be subject to a 25% duty due to the ongoing 'trade war' between the US and China, however I did not search as far as to find the various exclusions/exemptions to this tariff (seemed very time consuming).

In other words, the HTS codes are really just a starting point and don't necessarily mean there aren't additional amendments that may result in a tariff/duty.

As for why some have paid duties and others not, as Platinum RF suggests in the post below, for US imports, you may still be eligible for a personal $800 exemption.

 

[Platinum RF]

Interesting. I did not get charged any import taxes/tariffs/fees by DHL for my lens (located in USA).

If your item is below $800, I guess you should be fine.

 

[raid]

I would not have discussions on taxes in this forum.

 

[raid]

I have seen many online posts on not having to pay an import tax on certain items when they arrive in the US.

 

[sh0ebox]

If your item is below $800, I guess you should be fine.

My lens was $950 USD as I purchased a V2LC from another seller (Wen from SH Cameras based in HK).

 

[Platinum RF]

My lens was $950 USD as I purchased a V2LC from another seller (Wen from SH Cameras based in HK).

Maybe before USA removed the special status of HK

 

[splitimageview]

If your item is below $800, I guess you should be fine.

Pretty sure the $800 personal exemption is when traveling back to the US and bringing items yourself into the US, as opposed to having them shipped/imported.

 

[splitimageview]

Also, the correct HTS code may be 9002.11.90 rather than 9002.20.40, which falls under 9002.20: Filters and parts and accessories thereof.

https://hts.usitc.gov/?query=9002

9002.11.90 has a general duty rate of 2.3%. From discussions on other forums over the years, I recall some have been charged this in the past and wondered why. In the Special column you'll note various codes (hover over the code to determine the country), including JP (Japan) from which a large majority of photographic lenses come (or perhaps came) from, which would then be duty exempt. I don't see CN (China) listed. The rates in column 2 refer to imports from Cuba and North Korea.

From what I can gather after a bit of research today, one would first find the appropriate HTS code for the product, then determine in which duty rate column the country of origin would fall (one would have to determine if a country has a trade agreement with the USA). Then one would have to determine if there are any additional tariff rulings applicable in Chapter 99. In the case of 9002.11.90, when you hover the cursor over the "/" character beside the 2.3% rate, it refers you to see HTS codes 9903.88.03 (China 25% tariffs) and 9903.89.37 (Germany 25% tariffs). In this case, for the 'repli-cron,' a it would appear to be subject to a 25% duty due to the ongoing 'trade war' between the US and China, however I did not search as far as to find the various exclusions/exemptions to this tariff (seemed very time consuming).

In other words, the HTS codes are really just a starting point and don't necessarily mean there aren't additional amendments that may result in a tariff/duty.

As for why some have paid duties and others not, as Platinum RF suggests in the post below, for US imports, you may still be eligible for a personal $800 exemption.

Thanks, very helpful. Yes, that indeed is the code for filters. I was working with my phone and got confused with the way the schedule appears on the small screen. 🙂

Can't seem to get hovering over the slash character to show anything...

Code 9002.19.0000 is then the one to have the seller use, which appears to be duty free.

 

[Platinum RF]

I would suggest To replace the heavy brass original lens cap With an aluminum one. The cap is too heavy and fall off easily

 

[raid]

Off brand lens caps are sold online.

 

[raid]

I use a lens hood and no lens cap. It works well for me.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I remember one of the first times I met Tom A during one of his many visits to Tokyo, I pulled my camera out of my bag to take a photo and Tom A was impressed that I didn't have a lens cap on the lens. I never use a lens cap and just use a UV filter to protect the front of the lens. "Lens caps are useless things, I have a drawer full of them" he said 😀

 

[raid]

Yes, lens caps are not useful.

 

[teddy]

The Obelisk Near the Lighthouse - Robe, South Australia
Leica M2, Light Lens Lab 35/2 Summicron Replica (164/500), Leitz UVa Filter, Adox CMS 20ii, Rodinal 1:200 @ 60 mins

 

[ArrowTop]

I really want to get one of these lenses after seeing this thread day in and day out. How the hell do I get my hands on one of these bad boys?

 

[splitimageview]

I remember one of the first times I met Tom A during one of his many visits to Tokyo, I pulled my camera out of my bag to take a photo and Tom A was impressed that I didn't have a lens cap on the lens. I never use a lens cap and just use a UV filter to protect the front of the lens. "Lens caps are useless things, I have a drawer full of them" he said 😀

We need more Tom A stories.

🙂

 

[jarski]

Update: today my lens was delivered successfully to me, ...

Any plans go back to photograph Ha Giang with this lens. 🙂

 

[kiemchacsu]

Any plans go back to photograph Ha Giang with this lens. 🙂

of course I do; not only to Ha Giang trip but I am thinking it would be my daily lens also. my 3 kids' name are engraved there, i know that i would never sell this one. i treated it as a special gift to myself.

today i loaded a roll to my m2, attached with LLL 8e replica; hope i can share some photos here soon.

 

[jarski]

of course I do; not only to Ha Giang trip but I am thinking it would be my daily lens also. my 3 kids' name are engraved there, i know that i would never sell this one. i treated it as a special gift to myself. ...

Wow thats some dedication, must be really special lens. I missed the boat completely, but c'est la vie 🙂 Good light with the lens, wish I can also see Ha Giang again some day.