Import duties: buying from Australia shipping to USA

[Bubblesong]

I’m looking to buy gear from Australia on EBay, and I’d like to know if there are import duties and how to pay them? Do i have to go pick up item from an import or airport office? (In UK I had to go to airport to get a baby carriage with 100x import duty, plus storage fees )
Thanks in advance.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

Probably not. I get stuff shipped from China direct all the time and never have to go pick it up.

I guess that would all depend on what it "smelled" like to a dog.

 

[athigunk]

If I am not mistaken as long as the value is under $1000 or $1500, it should pass. There should be a page that gives you full information about import duty if you search on Google if you need further/exact information.

 

[kelemvor]

I've bought things from Australia recently. It shipped directly to my home and there were no surprise duties/taxes/etc. I bought a 121GW multimeter for $315AUD (approx $215usd). It was all very straightforward. Shipping was through DHL, which works a lot like UPS or FedEX.

 

[outofofficebrb]

It depends what it is.

look it up here: Harmonized Tariff Schedule PDFs

 

[Marie13]

I’m a licensed customs broker. What are you trying to get?

Generally, UPS will rob you on the charges.

 

[Bubblesong]

I’m a licensed customs broker. What are you trying to get?

Generally, UPS will rob you on the charges.

I am shopping on EBay and Amazon for used scuba bits, nothing heavy nor expensive. I am going for it!

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I bought a canister for a PLB from Australia. It just came to my door. Once I had to go to the post office to sign for something from China. Given that this is so common, I'm guessing Customs just x-rays and have drug sniffing dogs check out packages at random.

 

[Marie13]

USPS seems to be better on international packages than anyone else, with regards to duty and such.

 

[Marie13]

I am shopping on EBay and Amazon for used scuba bits, nothing heavy nor expensive. I am going for it!

Check out shipping rates before you buy. Might not be worth it unless you can’t find the item elsewhere.