I guess this works only if you don’t claim VAT refund in Europe, before boarding your flight. Otherwise, they probably see that you claimed a VAT refund on a newly purchased item and can go after you?
US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
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Is there an experience that makes you say this? i have also been waved through at Toronto.
To stay on topic- As a Canadian, flying from Europe and arriving at a US airport (onward to Canada by road); does one have to declare at the US airport too?
Always charge a 13% tax on overseas purchases exceeding 10,000 CAD, with possible deductions of a few hundred bucks.
CBSA can track tax refund in the system.
Thanks, I was actually asking about declaration if arriving at a US airport. I know one is obliged to declare returning into Canada but does one declare at the US airport too since one arrives there first?
I was hoping to shop in Paris next week, but my departure airport back to the US is Schiphol. In this case, can I even get French VAT back? I will be back in Paris in May again and this time departing from CDG. Is there a set time that the VAT back is valid (in other words can I use the February receipts for the May departure?) Merci!
You apply for VAT refund in the airport where you depart from the EU. So you should apply for your refund for purchases bought in Paris at Schiphol.
No. You’re not a US citizen so you wouldn’t owe US tax.
You can object all you want, but if you are caught in customs not declaring items, then it will get VERY expensive. You will also be flagged in future travels and lose Global Entry.
I bought two VCA bracelets in Tokyo. I took the de-tax. I kept the receipts, calculated the Yen to dollar for the agent. As I traveled through varied locations in Japan, I was questioned about the purchase. I told the Japanese agents, yes, I was aware of the purchase and I had every intention of declaring the bracelets upon arrival in the US. The total duties ended up being in the 4% range, far less than Virginia sales tax. When I was chatting with the agent, the agent said they levied a $45K fine on someone who didn’t declare.
So on balance, I’d rather declare and keep my international travel privileges.
Totally agree. I got 16% VAT back from Van Cleef Paris and paid 3% duty. I think I still came out ahead!
The agent said if they catch you, it’s the full tax plus fine. Not to mention possible revocation of Global Entry. No thanks!
Technically, it's not about the importer's citizenship, but where the goods will ultimately end up. If the goods end up in the USA, whether or not you're a citizen, you're supposed to pay US custom's tax (which may vary based on if you're a US resident or not). If the goods are just transiting through the USA on the way to Canada, then you should be in the clear.
Thanks! It's just transiting through, not a resident just an airport close to my neck of the woods.
It really is so random. I was charged $250 duty a few months ago flying back into the US with purchases of about $7k value. Recently returned, from same place, to same airport, with purchases of about $13k value and no duty charged. 
Do I understand correctly that you were questioned about a purchase while you were still traveling around Japan (i.e. not crossing an international border)? If you don't mind saying, what reason did the authorities give to inquire about your purchases? I ask because I want to buy a fountain pen or two there and would like to get an idea of what to expect, since this seems different from purchasing in Europe.
I was on a cruise ship and when we would go to varying ports we had to present our passport upon disembarking. I bought the Van Cleef bracelets in Tokyo. The cruise ship left Kyoto 3 days later. I was questioned in Kyoto and perhaps one or two other ports. The bracelets totaled some $$$. I doubt pens will rise to the amount of the bracelets.
As long as you keep the receipts, calculate the Yen to dollar, and declare upon arrival in the US, you should be fine.
It’s the idiots who buy $100K worth of merchandise, take the detaxe, enter the US, and don’t declare — get caught, get fined, and or get the stuff confiscated.
If the pens you buy are made of rare and/or endangered CITES items, MOP, coral, and the like, I would check any potential customs issues prior to purchase.
ETA: I did not question the customs officials. I just answered their question truthfully.
Thank you! I'll be keeping to overland transport so probably won't be encountering multiple entry points, but this is good to know.
The ones I'm interested in are in the $5,000-10,000 range, but some fountain pens get ridiculously expensive.