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Import tax?

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:21 pm
by dennisbible
How much import tax can I expect to pay in the US for say an $1100 Christopher Ward?

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:37 pm
by Bahnstormer_vRS
^^^^ I'm sure one of our US based members will be along to help shortly but, as far as I'm aware (as I'm in UK), a lot depends on which State you live in and the rate of local Sales Tax.

Guy

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 12:09 am
by jkbarnes
Bahnstormer_vRS wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:37 pm …as far as I'm aware (as I'm in UK), a lot depends on which State you live in and the rate of local Sales Tax.

Guy
Sales tax will not be an issue, just the import duties (which I can’t help you with).

While technically, state sales tax would be owed, it’s self-reported in a case like this. And I don’t know a single person …NOT. A. SINGLE. ONE!… who has EVER self-reported state sales tax! :lol:

Americans just don’t like to pay their taxes, as George III knew all too well.

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 1:39 am
by ajax87
^^^ All very factual information :lol:

As far as the customs duty, I don’t think anyone knows. Not even the customs agent who’s going to be charging you! I do know that the calculation depends on a few things (like an exhibition case back might add cost because of multiple crystals) and the duty is a percentage of the cost of each part, and the percentage varies etc…

I was charged $42 on an Abyss, $86 for a Super compressor and $136 for a NN moonglow. The Abyss and SC were very close together in terms of purchase price, but more than double the duty.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best?

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 5:52 am
by thomcat00
I bought a Sandstorm and DHL claimed I owed $192 to them for the $1085 watch. I calmly asked them to itemize and explain the charges. In the process $57 was found to be in error. Some of the “duties” are DHL fees which with arguing can be reduced. The process feels arbitrary and difficult to audit.

I generally figure on 10% for watches over the $800 threshold.

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 11:21 am
by albionphoto
My most rcent purchase was a C63 Sealander Elite on bracelet at $1695. Duty/DHL fees were ~ $114. Actual import duty should depend upon case material, movement and strap/bracelet type or cost and can vary. If all goes well DHL fees are about $40 of each transaction.

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 2:29 pm
by rkovars
albionphoto wrote: Tue Aug 31, 2021 11:21 am My most rcent purchase was a C63 Sealander Elite on bracelet at $1695. Duty/DHL fees were ~ $114. Actual import duty should depend upon case material, movement and strap/bracelet type or cost and can vary. If all goes well DHL fees are about $40 of each transaction.
Don't forget the experience/attention to detail of the inspector. The harmonized tariff schedule is a real piece of work even for someone who knows what they are doing.

For reference on my Ombré I paid about $135 (purchase price was around $1100). That one had a COSC movement which I think matters in the final calculation. Mine was a couple of years ago too so the schedule may have changed a little since then.

Re: Import tax?

Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2021 3:58 pm
by MichaelMD
I was in the $110 range on my last $1,800 purchase. Depends on if they (CW) reports it or if you have to fill out the sheet to declare it. Would have been a little higher if CW had done it - apparently DHL couldn't find the sheet