import duties video camera from Japan to US

[peaches_bears]

Hi, I purchased a few things from Japan all from different sellers.  

My first item was a Hasselblad which was shipped via DHL and I was charged a duty of %5.8  The transaction was $1300

Then a Pentax camera shipped via FEDEX $200 no Duty charged

I thought that purchased under $2000 were not charged duties...  I'm very confused by this and looking for an answer that I can hang my hat on.....

Thank you. 

[yuzuha · Accepted solution]

Items under $800 are not charged duties. If it's more than that, then yes, you will be charged duties.

[martin2001]

de minimis is the threshold set by countries under which no customs duties or taxes are applied to goods. For US it is currently $800

sorry did not notice the reply below

[peaches_bears]

Thank you for the responses.