Am I going to have to pay customs duties?

[Merman]

Hey,
I live in Central Oregon, thinking about purchasing some equipment from overseas (diveinn of spain, sds of UK) Am I going to have to pay import taxes? Let me know your experiences, whether you have had to pay, any exemptions you know of, etc.
Thanks,
Merman

 

[Scubaroo]

Hi Merman,

I recently bought some gear from DiveInn in Spain - if the order is less than $200, there is no duty, if it is over $200, you pay 4.9% of the total invoice (both the purchase price and postage). My order came via DHL, who handle the customs collection, and they also charged a $5 processing fee. Anyway, a $560 order came to around $33 duty. The customs invoice from DHL will arrive a few weeks after your order, so don't worry about having to try and calculate it in advance. You don't have to fill any customs paperwork out - DHL handle it all. Still makes ordering from DiveInn affordable.

Ben.

 

[kauai_diver]

When I checked the US Customs website, it clearly stated that anything less than 2000.00 dollars was free of duty as long as it was one item(s) for an individual. They tend to get hyper on suits from Honk Kong and 3 pairs of shoes etc. A set of scuba gear was fine and passed the litmus test.

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/impoexpo/impoexpo.htm

I have purchased gear from Diveinn(Spain) and will again. they are good and reputable

 

[Merman]

Sounds good,
Thanks for the replies