If I buy a used camera off eBay from Japan for $400, do I have to pay custom/taxes in US?

[jwwilliam54]

If I buy a used camera off eBay from Japan for $400, do I have to pay custom, duty or taxes in US?
I read somewhere if it's under $880 then no? Also will they still open the box?

[downunder-61]

AFAIK under $800 is exempt from duty in the US, but you will be paying state sales tax dependant on your delivery address and if your state charges sales tax.

Also will they still open the box?

Customs can open any package they choose, so this is not something we can answer.

[kssteve]

I've bought a several cameras and lenses from overseas and have never seen any indication the box had been opened.  

[annadryl]

Seems the fees are more for commercial supplies, commodities etc. But that's just Japan.

This page says it all> https://usacustomsclearance.com/process/import-costs-from-japan/

[jwwilliam54]

I meant after $800, then you pay duty at customs. The used camera is $400. I assume I have to pay WA state tax as well. That sucks!

[downunder-61]

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@kssteve wrote:

I've bought a several cameras and lenses from overseas and have never seen any indication the box had been opened.  

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Same here, but I have aso had them opened, luck of the draw I guess and completely up to border control

[soh.maryl]

Not sure why "that sucks".  Don't you pay Washington state sales tax when you shop at WalMart, for instance?

[jwwilliam54]

soh.maryl

Legend

(78feedbacks

In response to jwwilliam54

‎07-02-2022 05:19 PM

Not sure why "that sucks".  Don't you pay Washington state sales tax when you shop at WalMart, for instance?

The government tax us enough, they'd tax us the air we breathe if they could. It use to be anything bought of eBay didn't collect tax. So don't buy much on eBay anymore... instead, CRAIGSLIST which there is NO TAX!!!

[soh.maryl]

About two years ago, due to a case of Wayfair vs one of the states (Oklahoma, maybe) , the US Supreme Court rendered the decision that online purchases would be subject to state sales tax just like in-person purchases at a B&M store.  At this time, I believe about 45 states have jumped on that bandwagon.  Washington must be one of them.  

[annadryl]

IIRC I think Washington and New York were the first two. My sisters are in WA and order everything online.

*edit* the first two states to start actually charging tax. The rest took awhile...

[mtgraves7984]

It use to be anything bought of eBay didn't collect tax.

@jwwilliam54 

I remember that, too, and shopped more online then. (My total sales tax is nearly 10%.) Man, those were the days!

[jwwilliam54]

Simply GREED. Government don't care about people, they care about how they can line their pockets.