Who has imported an expensive knife?

Triton

Triton

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A question for the combined knowledge of the forum... So I've got a reasonably expensive knife headed my way from the Czech republic. However the maker is worried that if he insures for the full value when shipping to the United States that some sort of customs duties and / or taxes will result. I don't believe that is a thing here, we don't have a VAT like our unfortunate brethren in the EU, but perhaps I'm wrong? Has anyone imported an expensive knife (I know that's a relative term, I'm talking several thousand dollars) and if so was there some sort of tax bill involved?

Thanks!
 
We don't have VAT tax. 100% fine to ship without getting any fees when it lands at customs.
 
I'm not entirely certain, commenting in part so I can follow the answers here and learn as well. My understanding is technically duty fees are charged for item values declared to be over $800, and that the fee is around 6%. Others please correct if I'm wrong!
 
Your maker may have a legitimate concern.
The US does not have VAT. But, it does have Customs Duty. You need to look up the HS code to determine
what that amount might be.
The minimum threshold for import tax is $800. Goods valued below that are not subject to duty.
 
Customs Duty is only if you are purchasing it in said Country.

Now of course the Czech Republic has their own VAT tax and I'm sure your knifemaker/seller would know that.
 
Side question, but is the maker willing to replace the item if anything happens during shipping between countries? If they are willing to replace the item just in case anything happens then I would say you're good to go without bothering with the insurance.
 
RoyalHolic said:
Customs Duty is only if you are purchasing it in said Country.

Now of course the Czech Republic has their own VAT tax and I'm sure your knifemaker/seller would know that.
Click to expand...
I believe I’ve had to pay this for items purchased via eBay for example from international sellers, isn’t this charged on anything coming through customs?
 
More information on it.


Informal Entries: If the value of your purchase(s) is less than $2500 and your goods are being shipped by mail or freight, they may, in most cases, be imported as an informal entry. However, there are exceptions to this. For instance, if the importation is determined to be for commercial purposes, the value limit for filing an informal entry for many textile items is either $250 or $0 - depending on whether or not the item is subject to Quota (see below). Clearing goods through CBP as an informal entry is less arduous a process than clearing them by filing a formal entry. Essentially, when goods are cleared as an informal entry, CBP will prepare the paperwork, including determining the classification number and duty rate for your merchandise.
The duty rate for many items typically bought in an on-line auction is zero, however, CBP may charge a small processing fee for mail imports that do require the payment of duty.

If your goods are sent by a courier or express service, their brokers will usually handle the paperwork, and bill you for their services. If your goods are being shipped by freight, and you want to clear them through CBP yourself, be sure the shipping company has instructions to deliver them to a port near you. Otherwise, you will need to arrange for someone else to clear the goods for you when they arrive. Your alternative is to ask the seller to make arrangements to have your goods forwarded to your door, in which case you should expect to pay for the services of the customs broker who coordinates this when your goods arrive in the U.S.A.

  • Formal Entries: If your goods are valued at more than $2500, or for commercial textile shipments (clothes/materials) regardless of value, you will be required to file a formal entry, which can require extensive paperwork and the filing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond. As mentioned above and for various reasons, CBP may require a formal entry for any importation. CBP, however, rarely exercises this right unless there is a particular concern about the circumstances surrounding an importation.


^^ Link to Customs & Border
 
and let me add maybe the main thing there

  • Personal vs. Commercial Use: Many import regulations only apply to goods imported for commercial - business or resale - purposes. For instance, most goods imported for personal use are not subject to quota. The one exception to this is made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong, which are subject to quota restrictions regardless of the use they are imported for. On the other hand, import restrictions that are based on health, safety and protecting endangered species apply across the board.
 
Thanks guys. I THINK that what I'm hearing here and what I looked up via the HS number (8211 for fixed blades incidentally) suggests that there are duties or customs to be paid.

Thanks!
 
the only time I've had to deal with VAT taxes is when shipping to europe and the UK
I've imported antique swords from japan in the past and there have been no issues or duties to be paid on delivery.
you should be fine and you should have him insure the item for the full amount as I'm sure you and him would not want the item to be lost and a craftsman out the money.
 
Evan Wilson said:
the only time I've had to deal with VAT taxes is when shipping to europe and the UK
I've imported antique swords from japan in the past and there have been no issues or duties to be paid on delivery.
you should be fine and you should have him insure the item for the full amount as I'm sure you and him would not want the item to be lost and a craftsman out the money.
Click to expand...
Thanks I appreciate the first hand experience! I have in fact told him to insure it for the full amount. I will post some pictures when it arrives.
 
You should also know that, as an American citizen, you are exempt paying VAT if you buy within the EU. The vendor must accept the forms though. That is a savings of @19%, and each country has separate forms. It's not worth the effort for less than $100, but otherwise it's a good deal. Please let us see your knife when it arrives, and knowing the maker would help. I'll be in the Czech Republic next spring and I have been known to stop and visit a knife shop or cutler.
 
In most circumstances VAT is only applicable to goods purchased and delivered within the same country.

Goods that are exported outside of the purchase country are usually VAT free for the purchaser, provided the purchaser is not a citizen or resident of the country of origin.

There are exceptions such as goods purchased between EU counties (VAT still applies).

In this case, CZ Rep VAT does not apply as the goods are exported outside of the EU by a non-EU resident/passport holder.

I have exported literally hundreds of knives out of the US but never imported any in.🤭
 
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