Import duty from Europe to the US

[sbo6]

Hi folks, looking for feedback about import duties shipping used speakers from Europe (likely Germany) to the US. Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve Williams]

The most important thing to determine import duties is the attached invoice (if you know what I mean)

 

[Elliot G.]

Duties on new is about 3 percent of the value

 

[sbo6]

Thanks guys, good info!!

 

[lordcloud]

What speakers are you thinking about getting?

 

[astrotoy]

Also, in addition to duty, states are starting to look at large value imports for assessing sales tax. I got hit by California billing me for the sales tax on a new DAC that I bought from Canada, based on the declared value. The DAC was $2000+, so the sales tax was significant.

Larry

 

[Steve Williams]

Also, in addition to duty, states are starting to look at large value imports for assessing sales tax. I got hit by California billing me for the sales tax on a new DAC that I bought from Canada, based on the declared value. The DAC was $2000+, so the sales tax was significant.

Larry

Thats why I said in my first post that everything is determined by what the bottom line of the invoice states. Often times the dealer will send with a different invoice to minimize the sales tax due on the item

 

[bazelio]

I would assume a doctored invoice is problematic in the case of shipping damage where an insurance claim is made. Insured value of $2k won't help much if the invoice says $200, in all likelihood.

 

[Steve Williams]

No doubt

It all depends on what is being shipped

 

[lordcloud]

Thats why I said in my first post that everything is determined by what the bottom line of the invoice states. Often times the dealer will send with a different invoice to minimize the sales tax due on the item

This actually helped me greatly, in that my girlfriend asked why I bought a $500 cd transport and didn't tell her about it. I was thankful for the different price on the invoice that day.

 

[DSkip]

IIRC you shouldn't be hit with duties if the value of the shipment is under $2,500. Above that, you are looking at duties as well as costs for filing the paperwork.

 

[sbo6]

Thanks for all the feedback. BTW - as I understadn it, the claimed price on the invoice has no relationship to the shipping value for insurance.

 

[audio.bill]

True that they don't have to match if you're willing to risk the loss and don't want to pay for full insurance, but insuring a shipment for more than the declared invoice value is a potential flag for customs inspectors.