US Customs discussion - airports, importing

[880]

Thank you @880 for this info - it's very helpful, and now that you say it about the electronic VAT refund / digital passport control it makes total sense that the two would be in sync. It sounds like shipping is not a great plan for me given that it guarantees paying the max fee.




Ahh thank you! @Bdbunny and @mmvv22 and @textilegirl for helping me understand this - I'll hope for the flat fee or lower percentage as you said! When you do a list, do you write in the $800/person deduction in the list so it's obvious to a customs agent? I almost (joking) think I should buy some food items just to deflect attention from a bag lol.

One other thing, if I buy a used bag, and opt to skip any new purchases (i.e not providing my passport and thus am not in any digital system) , couldn't I just use it as my main bag on the trip home and not worry about customs? My thinking is that since i'd be the second/third/fourth owner (or whatever) then its duties had already been paid and no reason to put myself up for extra tracking/scrutiny? I want to play by the rules, but obviously if I can avoid customs hassle (ie. not making new purchases and not worrying about VAT refund) then that might be preferable. Please let me know if this makes sense or if I'm misunderstanding something.


@MmeM124 What a great tip! I wouldn't have thought you had to keep the items accessible to be viewed for détax. Do you bring them in their boxes and just then unpack the box if asked, or is there a better way to bring items home with you (ship boxes home, just bring the items themselves in your carry on?) Also, is your home airport SFO (mine too!) - if so, glad to hear it's honor system.


Dying, this is SO FUNNY @CTLover


Thanks for this clarification @cavalpha about the exemptions. I really hope the personal goods one stays in place. Do you know ift here are extra / new tarrifs or duties staring on 8/29?


@Brooklynite I really hope this is true for SFO too

I’ve never been asked at CDG for original packaging, but definitely they want to see the items. However some of our members have been asked.

Re the issue of not taking VAT and not declaring on the other side, I believe legally upon entering the country, you are still required to declare. Same as Duty Free. Declaring stresses me out enough that my shopping abroad is relatively minor in comparison to local. Running the risk of not declaring is NOT worth the stress IMO; declaring is always easier and the duty is not all that much

 

[textilegirl]

Ahh thank you! @Bdbunny and @mmvv22 and @textilegirl for helping me understand this - I'll hope for the flat fee or lower percentage as you said! When you do a list, do you write in the $800/person deduction in the list so it's obvious to a customs agent? I almost (joking) think I should buy some food items just to deflect attention from a bag lol.

My list is just a running list of what I’m bringing into the country and what I paid for it; I’ve had the exemption treated differently every time. Usually it’s a question of whatever makes it easiest on the officer to do the math. As I’m always over the limit it’s often — add it all up, take the exemption out, look at the list to see if there’s something that stands out, get charged duty on that, and the rest of it is waived through. But it’s been slightly different every time, depending on the officer.

As I believe @880 points out, you owe duty on the value of whatever you bring in to the States, so the fact that it may be vintage really isn’t relevant (Jane Birkin’s recently sold bag was vintage but should the buyer wish to bring it through customs there could be be some discussion about the difference between the $10M the bag sold for at auction and the current retail price of a BBB 35 ).

My best advice is to familiarize yourself with tariff rates for things you’re likely to bring home and, as you’re shopping, and calculating the price with respect to the current exchange rates, add in the expected tariff. That way you’ll know what you might be facing on your return home, and you can assess in real time whether the purchase is worth it. If you’re lucky enough to be waived through, all the better; if you aren’t, at least there’s no sticker shock.

 

[A1aGypsy]

Thank you @880 for this info - it's very helpful, and now that you say it about the electronic VAT refund / digital passport control it makes total sense that the two would be in sync. It sounds like shipping is not a great plan for me given that it guarantees paying the max fee.




Ahh thank you! @Bdbunny and @mmvv22 and @textilegirl for helping me understand this - I'll hope for the flat fee or lower percentage as you said! When you do a list, do you write in the $800/person deduction in the list so it's obvious to a customs agent? I almost (joking) think I should buy some food items just to deflect attention from a bag lol.

One other thing, if I buy a used bag, and opt to skip any new purchases (i.e not providing my passport and thus am not in any digital system) , couldn't I just use it as my main bag on the trip home and not worry about customs? My thinking is that since i'd be the second/third/fourth owner (or whatever) then its duties had already been paid and no reason to put myself up for extra tracking/scrutiny? I want to play by the rules, but obviously if I can avoid customs hassle (ie. not making new purchases and not worrying about VAT refund) then that might be preferable. Please let me know if this makes sense or if I'm misunderstanding something.


@MmeM124 What a great tip! I wouldn't have thought you had to keep the items accessible to be viewed for détax. Do you bring them in their boxes and just then unpack the box if asked, or is there a better way to bring items home with you (ship boxes home, just bring the items themselves in your carry on?) Also, is your home airport SFO (mine too!) - if so, glad to hear it's honor system.


Dying, this is SO FUNNY @CTLover


Thanks for this clarification @cavalpha about the exemptions. I really hope the personal goods one stays in place. Do you know ift here are extra / new tarrifs or duties staring on 8/29?


@Brooklynite I really hope this is true for SFO too

Customs agents are well aware of the resale market. If they see an expensive purse they are entitled to ask for proof of purchase. If you cannot provide that or proof that you had it in situ before leaving, it could be seized and you could face serious consequences. I promise you, it just doesn’t pay to be dishonest.

 

[880]

Customs agents are well aware of the resale market. If they see an expensive purse they are entitled to ask for proof of purchase. If you cannot provide that or proof that you had it in situ before leaving, it could be seized and you could face serious consequences. I promise you, it just doesn’t pay to be dishonest.

💯 A fellow TPFer who always declares (she actually does a spreadsheet) was carrying her own Kelly (one that she normally travels with) and was asked to empty it; allow it to be inspected; and provide proof of prior ownership, which of course she was able to do. Customs agents really have seen every scenario. I also know of another TPFer who failed to declare, whose luggage was basically examined with a fine tooth comb on that and on subsequent trips.

ETA: your goods could be confiscated; you could be fined; your profile could be flagged; and your global entry could be revoked, and I believe this has happened to some members here, so most of us think it’s easier to declare

 

[MmeM124]

Thank you @880 for this info - it's very helpful, and now that you say it about the electronic VAT refund / digital passport control it makes total sense that the two would be in sync. It sounds like shipping is not a great plan for me given that it guarantees paying the max fee.




Ahh thank you! @Bdbunny and @mmvv22 and @textilegirl for helping me understand this - I'll hope for the flat fee or lower percentage as you said! When you do a list, do you write in the $800/person deduction in the list so it's obvious to a customs agent? I almost (joking) think I should buy some food items just to deflect attention from a bag lol.

One other thing, if I buy a used bag, and opt to skip any new purchases (i.e not providing my passport and thus am not in any digital system) , couldn't I just use it as my main bag on the trip home and not worry about customs? My thinking is that since i'd be the second/third/fourth owner (or whatever) then its duties had already been paid and no reason to put myself up for extra tracking/scrutiny? I want to play by the rules, but obviously if I can avoid customs hassle (ie. not making new purchases and not worrying about VAT refund) then that might be preferable. Please let me know if this makes sense or if I'm misunderstanding something.


@MmeM124 What a great tip! I wouldn't have thought you had to keep the items accessible to be viewed for détax. Do you bring them in their boxes and just then unpack the box if asked, or is there a better way to bring items home with you (ship boxes home, just bring the items themselves in your carry on?) Also, is your home airport SFO (mine too!) - if so, glad to hear it's honor system.


Dying, this is SO FUNNY @CTLover


Thanks for this clarification @cavalpha about the exemptions. I really hope the personal goods one stays in place. Do you know ift here are extra / new tarrifs or duties staring on 8/29?


@Brooklynite I really hope this is true for SFO too

My home airport is ORD. As for the boxes, I usually travel very light (I hate baggage claim) so I often just leave boxes behind or refuse the box in the store. I'm still a little sad about that but the reality is they just sit in my closet anyway. I have the items in the dust bag in my carry on. At CDG you can do the détaxe before you check your suitcase if you wish to have the box also to show (in case they want to see it) but for me the bag and dustbag was sufficient for the agent. And of course, don't check your purchases - carry them on! (risk of theft/lost luggage too great)

 

[Bdbunny]

.

And of course, don't check your purchases - carry them on! (risk of theft/lost luggage too great)

Yes agree! Except if you purchase skincare products that are larger than 100ml! Then remember to repack them in your checked luggage after detaxe or they will get confiscated at security!! (been there!!)

 

[mmvv22]

Customs agents are well aware of the resale market. If they see an expensive purse they are entitled to ask for proof of purchase. If you cannot provide that or proof that you had it in situ before leaving, it could be seized and you could face serious consequences. I promise you, it just doesn’t pay to be dishonest.

Yeah I’m scared of something like that so I always take pictures of all designers clothes, shoes and accessorizes and jewelry before the trip abroad. So in case when I come back I can just show a picture to officer with time stamp and location to prove I took with item on trip and not bought them abroad

 

[OnlyModa]

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Yes agree! Except if you purchase skincare products that are larger than 100ml! Then remember to repack them in your checked luggage after detaxe or they will get confiscated at security!! (been there!!)

The nice thing is that skin care is duty free

 

[stupidolive]

The nice thing is that skin care is duty free

Im confused - how come??? I thought they are all counted and if exceeds our personal exemption, they will be subject to duty.

 

[880]

DH told me we just received and paid the customs bill from Feb 2025. If I recall correctly, we purchased 20K- 24K+ (leather coat, wool skirt and a few other items). DH didn’t recall the exact amount or percentages, but he told me the bill was for 700USD.* To me, that’s completely reasonable given that we get the VAT back and FSH is 30% cheaper than local). So, FYI, the bill can come after many months 😂

ETA: my grasp of basic math is awful, but I think it’s more than 3% but not by much? We provide a list of receipts (expensive item first) and a simple breakdown ; not to the third decimal, but we don’t include personal allowance : 800x2 people).

In my limited experience (I don’t shop as much abroad as other members), US customs is good about deducting the 1600USD. And it’s my belief, that if I am honest about fabric blended with synthetic (which is charged more) they appreciate it. They give us the benefit of the doubt and charge the lower rate for 100% natural.

Once in the US, when we give them the receipts and stuff, they rarely ask to see the merchandise. Even with asking for VAT on the other side, they only ask if it’s an expensive bag.

Note: we always make it clear that we are ready to unpack for inspection. A few times, we’ve been behind people who clearly aren’t ready to unpack their purchases. In those occasions, CDG customs seem positively determined to see everything.

So the rest of us on line have to wait while some tourist unpacks their soon to be checked luggage.

The few times that we use hotel transport to get to CdG (sometimes we are charged for this and sometimes not), the driver has come in with us and seen us through VAT claim. I think that also helps expedite. But, usually we use black lane car service which I assume is generally more reasonable than hotel car.

NOTE: one last thing and apologies for such a lengthy post. If anyone is thinking about buying a watch or fine jewelry abroad, even in duty free, always declare. If it’s a high value, the store will automatically provide the exact amount you need to pay (including VAT/ Tax etc). At this time, the store will also include a friends discount if it chooses (VCA does not do this, but some premier brands that I will not name, may do so).

The store will send a representative with the item and its paperwork to meet you at your final departure airport within that country. I believe the assumption is that you do not want to vacation with the item. Customs ALWAYS flags these items. I have considered buying such items two times , but decided against bc it just seemed like such a production.

 

[CTLover]

Yeah I’m scared of something like that so I always take pictures of all designers clothes, shoes and accessorizes and jewelry before the trip abroad. So in case when I come back I can just show a picture to officer with time stamp and location to prove I took with item on trip and not bought them abroad

I do the exact same thing. In fact, I have two albums on my phone, one for jewelry the other for bags etc were I not only have time stamped photos of the items, but photos of the receipts, Cites etc. Helps for insurance as well. One time I lost a piece of jewelry and having a photo of the piece and the latest appraisal and receipt made the claim very easy.

 

[A1aGypsy]

The nice thing is that skin care is duty free

Especially if you have to throw it out lol.

 

[Brooklynite]

DH told me we just received and paid the customs bill from Feb 2025. If I recall correctly, we purchased 20K- 24K+ (leather coat, wool skirt and a few other items). DH didn’t recall the exact amount or percentages, but he told me the bill was for 700USD.* To me, that’s completely reasonable given that we get the VAT back and FSH is 30% cheaper than local). So, FYI, the bill can come after many months 😂

ETA: my grasp of basic math is awful, but I think it’s more than 3% but not by much? We provide a list of receipts (expensive item first) and a simple breakdown ; not to the third decimal, but we don’t include personal allowance : 800x2 people).

In my limited experience (I don’t shop as much abroad as other members), US customs is good about deducting the 1600USD. And it’s my belief, that if I am honest about fabric blended with synthetic (which is charged more) they appreciate it. They give us the benefit of the doubt and charge the lower rate for 100% natural.

Once in the US, when we give them the receipts and stuff, they rarely ask to see the merchandise. Even with asking for VAT on the other side, they only ask if it’s an expensive bag.

Note: we always make it clear that we are ready to unpack for inspection. A few times, we’ve been behind people who clearly aren’t ready to unpack their purchases. In those occasions, CDG customs seem positively determined to see everything.

So the rest of us on line have to wait while some tourist unpacks their soon to be checked luggage.

The few times that we use hotel transport to get to CdG (sometimes we are charged for this and sometimes not), the driver has come in with us and seen us through VAT claim. I think that also helps expedite. But, usually we use black lane car service which I assume is generally more reasonable than hotel car.

NOTE: one last thing and apologies for such a lengthy post. If anyone is thinking about buying a watch or fine jewelry abroad, even in duty free, always declare. If it’s a high value, the store will automatically provide the exact amount you need to pay (including VAT/ Tax etc). At this time, the store will also include a friends discount if it chooses (VCA does not do this, but some premier brands that I will not name, may do so).

The store will send a representative with the item and its paperwork to meet you at your final departure airport within that country. I believe the assumption is that you do not want to vacation with the item. Customs ALWAYS flags these items. I have considered buying such items two times , but decided against bc it just seemed like such a production.

I responded in the wrong thread the other day, but I don't understand why H hasn't unified pricing around the globe. It will reduce so much friction.

 

[880]

I responded in the wrong thread the other day, but I don't understand why H hasn't unified pricing around the globe. It will reduce so much friction.

💯 Richmont group went public re their desire to unify price structures to prevent people from hopping around.

 

[Brooklynite]

With two kids, shopping in my overseas trips has become difficult. So I stopped in recent years. The cross border process has become so much more streamlined