[CallMeObsessed]

I'm learning all kinds of stuff on here today...........I never knew that UPS or FedEx would charge customs tax. I've never had one on anything shipped overseas by USPS...........good to know.

[rollergirl]

I'm not a Customs/duties expert, but I think in reality the general starting point is that all merchandise you bring into the country or purchase from abroad IS potentially subject to duties being assessed. There are exceptions, or sometimes exemptions up to a certain amount, I totally agree. But not just blanket, huge exemptions, like because you are an individual and not a business. We don't get assessed a lot of times mostly due to lack of people and resources to keep up with all the stuff coming in. The carriers, like fedex and UPS, collect the duties for Customs and pay them over, so they won't be liable for doing anything wrong, like helping you to evade paying. I don't know why the USPS stuff works the way it does. Looking back, I had in a period of a few months bought 3 or 4 things that were shipped from the UK. Maybe the volume got me looked at, and I got the bills. Sometimes it seems totally random, or may depend on the country of origin. I always assume I may get hit with duties when I buy outside the US, and have to decide if I'm willing to pay a price that might include them.

[CallMeObsessed]

I'll definately keep in mind that I may end up with a tax charge next time I buy anything from overseas ~ I had a buyer once from Canada that negged me because she had to pay tax on her package.......she thought it was my responsibility to pay her back. Whatever...........anyway, thanks for the tax info on here, if I get a bill next time I won't be surprised.

[skigirl73]

Originally Posted by nawth21

It was roughly 10% when I bought from Italy on a 1,300 bag. Of course, things change as this was a few years ago. Best bet would be to visit the subforum of the brand you want to purchase and ask the girls there. I did that with my Chloe bag, as many had purchased from luisaviaroma before and could give me a rough idea of how much I'd have to pay.

When I get stuff from individuals, I've never had to pay customs. The only time I had to pay customs was when I bought from a boutique overseas. Also, I believe it was also the country of origin for the Chloe bag which may or may not impact customs, duties, ect.

Thanks! That's great info. I heard it's different too when you actually bring stuff back from another country too. I'd love to bring an empty suitcase to Italy and buy a ton of bags to bring back, but someone told me that you can't do that... Oh well!

[skigirl73]

Originally Posted by shoulderache

I'm so glad I'm not the only person who can't seem to figure out US customs. It *seems* that if stuff is under 1k there isn't a duty? It seems like airport security--just sorta the luck of the draw.

No kidding! I think the chart I was referred to is called a harmonized tariff schedule or something like that. I was like harmonized what??!! lol

[Mule]

It looks like you won't have to pay any customs.

I ordered four bags from out of the country last year and all were delivered USPS. The first three times I picked it up with no customs paperwork of any kind. This was probably due to the fact the seller indicated very low value on the paperwork specifically to avoid customs fees.

However, customs does random inspections and on the fourth shipment they opened the package, estimated the value and decided I should pay customs fees of $131! They attached customs paperwork to the package instructing the post office to collect the fees at time of delivery. The purse gods must have been happy with me that day, because DH went to the post office to pick it up and neither he nor the clerk noticed the customs paperwork plastered all over the box! I was initially a little nervous about someone contacting me later, but it's been over 9 months now and I haven't heard a word...

But anyway, my point is a package sent USPS will have customs paperwork attached to it and the post office is supposed to collect the fees before handing over the package.

[rollergirl]

Yup, they just don't collect the money a lot of the time. Recently I had to look up the travel/duty-free issue for a potential buyer, and confirmed that it doesn't apply to all things you import from another country, but only to what you carry with you, in your hands, back into the country from abroad, and then so long as you declare it.

[Sternchen]

Originally Posted by onegirlcreative

Neither have I. I didn't even realize that we pay a customs fee in the U.S.

Maybe because we're paying outrageous gas prices instead???

Come to Europe, you'll never complain about gas prices in the US again!

[saz123]

Too true, lol!!!

Originally Posted by Sternchen

Come to Europe, you'll never complain about gas prices in the US again!

[alfiebach]

i've been hit twice, fed ex, bill you after in the uk, ups wont release parcel untill you pay, they have my mono lockit boo hoo alfiex oh over 200 bucks curse swear