The Breitling Watch Source Forums

All:

I'm trying to figure out what the approx duty/import tax and local/state taxes would be for a ~$4,500 watch purchased from a private seller in the UK shipped to the US (PA).

I've seen a few comments that suggest claiming "no value" or claiming "gift" status - or even "used medical waste" - however these descriptions are both risky and illegal and do not appeal to me.

I've heard that the actual duty/import tax is minimal - maybe 3-5%, my main concern are any local/tate tax. In the UK they have the Value Added Tax which is an absolute killer at ~17%. I'd like to know if there is some equivalent in the US that I need to know about upfront.

Since we have a lot of international buyers/sellers on here, I wouldn't mind your input.

Thanks

_________________
HUF

Navi 01 LE

Good choice and I'll tell you why you definitely don't want to give false paperwork. I'm in Canada and bought my 6.75 from an American sponsor on here, and because of the value the shipment was stopped, and I had to sign off for customs to process it. The beginning to this was an agent calling me (which I didn't expect) and asking me questions about the watch, and what the value was. My first thought was... God I hope he didn't claim it low because I am totally going to screw him by telling the truth. But he is an AD, and as expected he did do it right, so all was fine getting through customs. I have in the past received a watch that was claimed extremely lower than it's actual worth and I don't know what would have happened had I received that phone call.


At first glance seeing your title it registered as a watch going to the UK, so thought... that guy is screwed. But going from the UK to the US I don't think it's anything to worry about.

I purchased a new piece directly from a Swiss manufacturer (shipped to MN) and was charged about 2.5% of purchase price for 'duty'. This was billed separately to me from shipping company.

_________________
Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Import duties to the US are published, it's just a rather painful experience trying to find the details - http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/tariff_current.asp

Hey Bandit, FYI, if you get a call from Border Services and they ask you price paid, if you answer the truth and you have proof (bank wire, paypal account, etc.), the declaration of the exporter is voided and you wont be penalized for what he declared.

Cheers.

_________________
Mat

Breitling Navitimer 01
Omega Seamaster 300mc
Omega Speedmaster Pro "Mitsukoshi Mod"
Seiko Prospek Orange Samurai

I wasn't concerned for myself.

All - It turns out I was priced out by a more motivated buyer, however I really appreciate the feedback and if I do buy internationally I'll be sure to give you an update.

_________________
HUF

Navi 01 LE