p.1 #1 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
Does anyone have any recent experience of knowledge of import duties on used lenses from Japan to USA ?
i have been looking at an $1,800 USD lens that is on eBay from Japan.
Thanks
p.1 #3 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
Use Caution...I have been an eBay user for almost 19 years. I never purchase anything from, or sell directly to overseas entities. If they try to avoid customs by under-declaring the value, you could have issues as well. Let's say the claim it has $100 value and it gets lost or damaged in shipment. You present all the paperwork to the shipper and he says, "Wait...why did you pay only $100 and insure it for $1800?"...See what I mean?
p.1 #4 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
There is zero duty on personal items. Items you buy to resell is another matter. Only let them use EMS. UPS and FedEx make up fake duty charges that are insane in my opinion.
p.1 #7 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
I'm in Canada, but believe it is exactly the same in U.S. No duties charged.
Have bought a number of photo items from Japan and all have been excellent. Just bought a used Tamron 180mm macro lens on eBay on the 21st, and it was delivered today. No way it would have been shipped that fast from the U.S. to Canada with a 2-day weekend in there.
There are a number of reputable Japanese retailers on eBay, and they stand behind their claims.
p.1 #8 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
This again? I've bought at least half a dozen things from Japan in the past few years. Their stuff is usually pristine--I think they worship it! Anyway, no, there isn't any duties going into the U.S. That's mostly socialist countries gouging their citizens doing that.
p.1 #9 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
CMYK Designs wrote:
Use Caution...I have been an eBay user for almost 19 years. I never purchase anything from, or sell directly to overseas entities. If they try to avoid customs by under-declaring the value, you could have issues as well. Let's say the claim it has $100 value and it gets lost or damaged in shipment. You present all the paperwork to the shipper and he says, "Wait...why did you pay only $100 and insure it for $1800?"...See what I mean?
Buy one from a US seller and get piece of mind...
Shipping from the seller to the hands of the buyer is entirely the responsibility of the shipper. If an item is under-declared, and it gets lost or damaged in transit, the seller takes the hit; assuming you paid with PayPal 'item' (not gift) or a credit card.
p.1 #10 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
CMYK Designs wrote:
Use Caution...I have been an eBay user for almost 19 years. I never purchase anything from, or sell directly to overseas entities. If they try to avoid customs by under-declaring the value, you could have issues as well. Let's say the claim it has $100 value and it gets lost or damaged in shipment. You present all the paperwork to the shipper and he says, "Wait...why did you pay only $100 and insure it for $1800?"...See what I mean?
Buy one from a US seller and get piece of mind...
I too have bought a dozen or so pieces of photo gear from Japan the past couple years, mostly lenses, and they shipped fast and the items were perfect. Also bought many times from Korea, Canada and Hong Kong without problems. I only time I've been ripped off was from USA sellers (not as described).
p.1 #12 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
I have purchased a few lenses from Japanese dealers through eBay. There has never been any customs/import fee added. Also, I have found that the Japanese dealers are very good to deal with. One lens that I purchased was graded by them as a B+ and in all honesty, it was Like New.
p.1 #13 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
Andrew J wrote:
There is zero duty on personal items. Items you buy to resell is another matter. Only let them use EMS. UPS and FedEx make up fake duty charges that are insane in my opinion.
p.1 #15 · US Customs import duty on used photographic gear from Japan
Two things to be aware of when buying new or used camera gear from Japan.
1. A Japanese warranty will not be valid in N. America.
2. The Owner's Manual will probably be in Japanese. Of course you can always download an English PDF version, but some of us prefer the English printed version.
