US Customs discussion - airports, importing
- Thread starter esyee
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I thought that was for companies. I think it’s unclear if tariffs will be applied to individuals.
I have read that the tariffs will apply to "declared value" at time of import. If that's the case, then wouldn't it be on roughly 50% of the retail cost of the bag? Also, I thought it was the importer that was paying the tariff? Isn't duty different or will it be subject to the tariff? I'm leaving with my BFF for Paris today for 10 days of (mostly) shopping, so I would love to know any advise. TIA
I think we’re all trying to figure that out… you may actually be the first member who has a trip, who has responded. Please report back on what you experience! I’m traveling next month… will also add any info I find here.
Historically tariffs have not applied to individuals and “small goods” this is how shien manages to send stuff without paying tariffs. If someone from another country sends you a personal package you do not pay the tariff cost. If a company sends you something you may pay a duty but again there are ways around ala shien again.
I am not sure anyone has realized they need to figure this out and just as duty charges have always been at the discretion of the customs officer that will likely continue.
The Shein loophole was because there was an $800 threshold before china tariffs kicked in. If someone bought more than $800 from Shein, it would have been be tariffed at entry. That loophole went away and now everything is tariffed with no minimum. Whether this will apply to individuals at customs is yet to be seen but I think its pretty naive to think that this administration will let such a gapping hole in their tax policy to fund the country remain, especially when they are already heavily harassing people at the borders for all sorts of other terrible reasons.
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I have paid duty on items from individuals and businesses.
I don’t recall paying duties on modern French furniture or fine art. (I believe those categories were exempt, though white glove delivery could cost a third or more of the items price depending on the difficulty of transport and weight and dimensions
I always self declared, and have never been asked to pay additional taxes except once. During the last ***** administration we bought a Cape Cod watch and several additional leather bands for it in Paris. As usual, we declared it. This time, however, we were pulled over and because ***** had imposed tariffs on imported leather, we did have to pay taxes on the leather straps (not the watch itself). At the time the agents told us that the ***** administration was insisting that they crack down on people bringing leather into the country.
Yes, I can attest as well that during the first term (and during Covid) they were a lot more diligent about imports. I think it when they linked the “detax” to the passport and see all of your purchases being brought back.
I have noticed that it got better after. The agents were less strict.
Who knows?
On the other hand the Harmonized Tariffs doesn’t seem to have changed on the website.
For example it’s still 9% for leather…
I am so confused.😵💫
Harmonized Tariff Schedule
There were revisions on April 4th though.
I just came through CBP in the NY metro area. No tariffs! I self declared as usual. And I was charged the typical fee they normally charge me. Somewhere between 3-5-%. I asked the agent about the tariffs and he said “none of that has come down yet.” But no further info. He was nice. I didn’t get grilled this time.
ETA: the duties assessed seem to be agent and airport dependent. Usually at EWR they charge a flat fee of 3%. This time this particular agent charged 3% on the first thousand after my $800 exemption. Then he said well leather is 9% but jewelry is 5.5% so I’ll just charge you 5:5% on everything. I appreciated he didn’t charge me 9% so I’ll take it! I’ve also flown through IAD and the guy charged me 9% on all my leather items including bag and leather jacket. I’ve also had agents ask to see the items and the receipts and agents who don’t ask to see anything and go by what I report.
ETA: the duties assessed seem to be agent and airport dependent. Usually at EWR they charge a flat fee of 3%. This time this particular agent charged 3% on the first thousand after my $800 exemption. Then he said well leather is 9% but jewelry is 5.5% so I’ll just charge you 5:5% on everything. I appreciated he didn’t charge me 9% so I’ll take it! I’ve also flown through IAD and the guy charged me 9% on all my leather items including bag and leather jacket. I’ve also had agents ask to see the items and the receipts and agents who don’t ask to see anything and go by what I report.
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They probably just haven't gotten to the updates yet. Everything keeps changing so quickly.Yes, I can attest as well that during the first term (and during Covid) they were a lot more diligent about imports. I think it when they linked the “detax” to the passport and see all of your purchases being brought back.
I have noticed that it got better after. The agents were less strict.
Who knows?
On the other hand the Harmonized Tariffs doesn’t seem to have changed on the website.
For example it’s still 9% for leather…
I am so confused.😵💫
Leather is Chapter 42.Harmonized Tariff Schedule
hts.usitc.gov
There were revisions on April 4th though.
I don’t know because they already updated the website twice since the tariffs were announced.
I wonder if it’s different from individuals versus companies importing. It’s not clear anywhere.
It’s all so unclear, and who knows what will happen next week. All I know is today the agent said they had not been notified of anything different. 😅
Well, if anyone is traveling and the website still says it’s 5.5 and 9% as when you travel, you can quote it!
They should honor their own website! 😜
Given how random the agents are at the border now, I can only assume the same randomness now and into the future! Last time I went through I was waved on because the customs agents were just too overwhelmed with long lines to even deal with me.