Whats the import tax limit for the US?

[xboxspares]

I have to send a package to the US and don't want the buyer to get hit with import tax.

Whats the limit in $?

Thanks in advance

Ben

[phlydude]

I think it might be $100

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/va...kbyg/gifts.xml

Gifts you send
Gifts worth up to $100 may be sent, free of duty and tax, to friends and relatives in the United States, as long as the same person does not receive more than $100 worth of gifts in a single day. If the gifts are mailed or shipped from an insular possession, this amount is increased to $200.

Unless returning to the United States from an insular possession, you don’t have to declare gifts you sent while you were on your trip, since they won’t be accompanying you.

Gifts for more than one person
Gifts for more than one person may be shipped in the same package, called a consolidated gift package, if they are individually wrapped and labeled with each recipient’s name. Here’s how to wrap and label a consolidated gift package.

Be sure to mark the outermost wrapper with the:

* Words “UNSOLICITED GIFT” and the words “CONSOLIDATED GIFT PACKAGE;”
* Total value of the consolidated package;
* Recipients’ names and
* Nature and value of the gifts inside. For example, tennis shoes, $50; shirt, $45; toy car, $15.

For instance:

To John Jones—one belt, $20; one box of candy, $5; one tie, $20.
To Mary Smith—one skirt, $45; one belt, $15; one pair slacks, $30.

If any item is worth more than the $100 gift allowance, the entire package will be dutiable.

Can I send a gift to myself?
You, as a traveler, cannot send a gift package to yourself, and people traveling together cannot send gifts to each other. But there would be no reason to do that anyway, because the personal exemption for packages mailed from abroad is $200, which is twice as much as the gift exemption.

Personal Belongings
Your personal belongings can be sent back to the United States duty-free if they are of U.S. origin and if they have not been altered or repaired while abroad. Personal belongings like worn clothing can be mailed home and will receive duty-free entry if you write the words “American Goods Returned” on the outside of the package.

If a package is subject to duty
If a package is subject to duty, the United States Postal Service will collect it from the addressee along with any postage and handling charges. The sender cannot prepay duty; the recipient must pay duty when a package is received in the United States.

[jkwest]

how much does it weigh?

also, if its like a CD or a game, just write "gift" on the customs card and put the value at like $20..

he won't get hit with any taxes if you do that.

[xboxspares]

It’s a film and I want to make sure it had enough insurance to cover loss or damage with out the guy getting hit with tax.

It will weigh 250g and is valued at $50 so I guess if I mark it as a gift it will get through ok!

Thanks for the help guys

[jkwest]

Originally Posted by xboxspares

It’s a film and I want to make sure it had enough insurance to cover loss or damage with out the guy getting hit with tax.

It will weigh 250g and is valued at $50 so I guess if I mark it as a gift it will get through ok!

Thanks for the help guys

don't write film on it...just write movie...

they could take film to being images or photos...customs has gotten a bit strict on that.

[xboxspares]

Originally Posted by jkwest

don't write film on it...just write movie...

they could take film to being images or photos...customs has gotten a bit strict on that.

Will do and thanks again

Ben

[Purplegrasshopper]

I like this thread and others like it.

Someone needs help, has a good question, and it is answered. The OP benefits, and others do as well; I know I learned something from reading this.

Good thread!

[jw]

I have imported 1500€ worth of merchandise and as long as its through the USPS there has never been a customs fee. UPS and FED EX will charge customs, however its an admin fee on their behalf and doesnt go to the govt

[xboxspares]

Originally Posted by jwbbud

I have imported 1500€ worth of merchandise and as long as its through the USPS there has never been a customs fee. UPS and FED EX will charge customs, however its an admin fee on their behalf and doesnt go to the govt

I have no idea how it will be delivered as I would be using royalmail this end but I guess it would be USPS?

Ben

[jw]

Originally Posted by xboxspares

I have no idea how it will be delivered as I would be using royalmail this end but I guess it would be USPS?

Ben

correct