Import fees/taxes to US from horn purchased in Germany

StartingUpAgainAt53

Hi All,

Slightly off topic but does anyone have experience purchasing a horn from a German store that was shipped to US? If so what was the import/taxes applied?

Cheers,
Marc

kehaulani

Vin DiBona · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:53 am Post subject:

In my 45 years as a customs broker, your best bet is to talk to customs in the port you expect to import in.
You must have a valid invoice with the price you actually paid for it. Don't think you can buy a $5000 German trumpet and say you paid $500 for it. Customs knows how much things cost.
You don't say how it will be shipped, but if it comes through the mail, it will be looked at by a customs expert before it is released.
The import duty into the US will be 2.9%. We have no VAT here and you do not pay duty on the freight charges, either.
You may also need the services of a customs broker which will add considerably to your end cost.
Shipping through FedEx or UPS can be a real crap shoot. Sometimes things go through them easily, other times I've had to step in to straighten out a big mess.
Make sure you seek advice from US Customs. They will assist you.
R. Tomasek

Evinerate · Veteran Member Joined: 15 Nov 2016 Posts: 154

I literally just bought an old beat up horn from Frankfurt, Germany.
I hope the seller lables this item appropriately for customs.

The item is a damaged old antique "wall hanger" horn that I plan to restore, surely customs will just the the item as it is and not charge me extra for importing fees?

kehaulani · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 11:36 am Post subject:

Get the seller to designate the cost as next to nothing.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
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Adams F-1 Flghn

Vin DiBona · Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 2:15 pm Post subject:

Kehulani, what you just advised is very illegal and a good way to have the shipment seized by US Customs. I dealt with issues like this dozens of times and they usually don't work out well. You and your shipper will be put on a watch list for any future endeavors. Even if you never buy anything again from overseas, you will be monitored. The shipper will also be watched as well. If you're lucky, the horn will be reassessed in value and passed on to you with its proper duty.
As I stated, US Customs knows the value of everything.