US Customs Duty

Do you know if I order a camera from Canada (store) would there be a duty charge

(they ship Canada Post)?

 

 

thanks

 

Andrew

I've ordered several items from Vintage Camera and paid no duty.

Make that Vintage Visuals....it's been a while.

Same for Henry's.....

In the US, there is an obligation to pay duty on imported items that are not specifically exempted by law or regulation. That is why the shipper must declare a value on the Customs form that they must fill out to send it to the US. Many items have a duty rate of zero, and some countries are exempted from duty or have lower rates.

 

It is not unusual for items to arrive in the US by mail without duty having been charged. However, it is incorrect to say that there is no duty. You will also hear from people who purchased items overseas and had them mailed who *did* have to pay duty. It appears to be somewhat randomly enforced.

 

The regulations are obtuse, difficult, and a real miasma, but if one feels like reading up on the minutia, the rules can be found here:

 

 

http://help.customs.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=9njcFo2i&p_lva=&p_li=&p_page=1&p_cv=&p_pv=&p_prods=0&p_cats=0&p_hidden_prods=&p_search_text=duty+rates&p_search_type=answers.search_nl&prod_lvl1=0&cat_lvl1=0&p_new_search=1

 

http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm

I believe cameras and lenses are exempted from duty between Canada and the US (and vs). Check the link cited above. You may still be subject to a brokerage fee if you ship via UPS. FedEx may work better in this regard. If asked at the border, be truthful and complete. The penalties for concealment are much higher than any duty imposed.

Thank you!

 

 

The web page above shows leads one to digital cameras in section 85, chapter 8525.80.40

 

 

Film cameras chapter 90 section 9006

 

 

Both are Free.