Import duties to USA from JAPAN
Hey everyone, I'm thinking on an ebay purchase from Japan, but I'm unsure of the import duties, does anyone has an idea of how much percentage is typically added at import. It's a used watch.
Thanks for commenting...
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Jesus
I’m Jesús from México. Just having fun with the hobby.
México
Member since
Last active: 1 month ago
6.75” / 17.15 cm
According to the internet you don't have to pay import tax on anything up to and including $200. Might have changed though the thing I'm quoting is from 2015
Technically you pay duty on any watch over $800 imported into the US. Depending on how the seller ships it tp you sometimes you are left to pay duty on your own. I would bet no one ever does. Sort of like paying sales tax to your state when you buy something from out of state.
Duty on watches is a moving target based on the construction of the watch, strap or bracelet material etc. Normally the fee would be somewhere between 7-10%.
According to the internet you don't have to pay import tax on anything up to and including $200. Might have changed though the thing I'm quoting is from 2015
Thank you!!!
Technically you pay duty on any watch over $800 imported into the US. Depending on how the seller ships it tp you sometimes you are left to pay duty on your own. I would bet no one ever does. Sort of like paying sales tax to your state when you buy something from out of state.
Duty on watches is a moving target based on the construction of the watch, strap or bracelet material etc. Normally the fee would be somewhere between 7-10%.
Thanks!!!
Technically you pay duty on any watch over $800 imported into the US. Depending on how the seller ships it tp you sometimes you are left to pay duty on your own. I would bet no one ever does. Sort of like paying sales tax to your state when you buy something from out of state.
Duty on watches is a moving target based on the construction of the watch, strap or bracelet material etc. Normally the fee would be somewhere between 7-10%.
This...I had to pay import duties on a Christopher Ward watch from UK in 2021 as it was $900.
Comparatively, I did not have to pay import duties on a G-Shock from Japan that was $450 in 2021.
Hope that helps.
This...I had to pay import duties on a Christopher Ward watch from UK in 2021 as it was $900.
Comparatively, I did not have to pay import duties on a G-Shock from Japan that was $450 in 2021.
Hope that helps.
Thank you so much, yes very useful.
In 2021, I bought a watch from a seller in Japan for ~$1100, and the import duty was ~$100. I remember it said something about items over $800 in value need to pay import duty. If the value of whatever you're purchasing / shipping from overseas is over $800, Uncle Sam will charge you import tax on top of the sales tax you now need to pay on eBay.
In 2021, I bought a watch from a seller in Japan for ~$1100, and the import duty was ~$100. I remember it said something about items over $800 in value need to pay import duty. If the value of whatever you're purchasing / shipping from overseas is over $800, Uncle Sam will charge you import tax on top of the sales tax you now need to pay on eBay.
Thanks on the info.
I am actually curious to know the answer to this in regards to Japan to EU as they have some cool Omegas you can't really get here.
Anyone know the answer to this?
Once upon a time, I tried to research import duties, and it's inordinately complicated, and clear as mud. The duty free limit for imports is $800. After that, a watch isn't just a watch, it is a movement, a case, and a strap, all taxed at different rates, with further breakdowns based on material (steel? precious metal?), movement type (with battery? mechanical?), etc. etc. Hint: it pays to have the bulk of the watch's value listed in the movement, since it's taxed at the lowest rate. If the seller uses a major shipper, DHL, Fedex, UPS, etc., they act as your customs broker. They will collect any duty owed (and there's little chance of slipping by), plus a fee (but potentially saving you a lot of headache). I've heard that shipments via EMS often get through without duty, but if there's an issue, you're on your own. It's all infuriatingly murky.
The one watch I've bought from overseas (a Christopher Ward) I managed to get below $800 with discounts, so I avoided the whole customs duty meshugas.
This is the best explanation of what you're up against I've seen:
https://youtu.be/YG5PX31mDUw
Just bought two new JDM Seiko's in the $500 range and no other import tax other than the sales tax that ebay charged. So $800 must be the limit.
Once upon a time, I tried to research import duties, and it's inordinately complicated, and clear as mud. The duty free limit for imports is $800. After that, a watch isn't just a watch, it is a movement, a case, and a strap, all taxed at different rates, with further breakdowns based on material (steel? precious metal?), movement type (with battery? mechanical?), etc. etc. Hint: it pays to have the bulk of the watch's value listed in the movement, since it's taxed at the lowest rate. If the seller uses a major shipper, DHL, Fedex, UPS, etc., they act as your customs broker. They will collect any duty owed (and there's little chance of slipping by), plus a fee (but potentially saving you a lot of headache). I've heard that shipments via EMS often get through without duty, but if there's an issue, you're on your own. It's all infuriatingly murky.
The one watch I've bought from overseas (a Christopher Ward) I managed to get below $800 with discounts, so I avoided the whole customs duty meshugas.
This is the best explanation of what you're up against I've seen:
https://youtu.be/YG5PX31mDUw
Wow, this is very informative answer, thank you so much…also for the video link!!!
Def very complicated to know in advance how much are talking about for import…
Just bought two new JDM Seiko's in the $500 range and no other import tax other than the sales tax that ebay charged. So $800 must be the limit.
Thanks, my posible buy is below 800.00 so all this info is very important. Q for you, does the 800.00 limit is per watch or the total purchase?
Thanks, my posible buy is below 800.00 so all this info is very important. Q for you, does the 800.00 limit is per watch or the total purchase?
I just looked it up. Technically, it's $800 per 31 days, though I bet in practice it's per shipment. When I bought the Christopher Ward, I bought it on a strap, and got the price to under $800 dollars. I ordered the bracelet separately a week later. In that case it was easy and seamless, DHL got the packages to me in three days, and rather than pay duty, I got an extra strap.
As an aside, I've run into another issue. Be very careful if the watch comes on a crocodile strap (probably not an issue for your sub-$800 watch). To import exotic leather, you need a CITES license. It might slip through, but I've seen an number of horror stories if the customs inspector decides to look closely. If they're nice they can confiscate and destroy the strap. Or they can confiscate the whole shipment. This stopped me from buying a watch from Japan on eBay.
ETA: I see now that Marc talks about CITES.
Wow...yes, Croc would be a big problem...Thanks for the heads up!!!
Yes, you need a special license to import exotic species.
Done!!! Bought it…love the Speedmaster but can’t have it right now…saw this and fell in love!!! Let’s hope it doesn’t disapoint.