Expensive China to US purchase -any advice dealing with Customs -Taxes etc.?
01-28-2019, 04:55 PM
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Expensive China to US purchase -any advice dealing with Customs -Taxes etc.?
I am thinking of buying a “1/144 Yamato” from Tian Jie for ~$5,000 including shipping? Any advice on dealing with Customs, Taxes or other considerations?
02-02-2019, 04:17 PM
#2
What do you want to know? Dealing with customs you are unfortunately at their mercy. You may want to review the code options for classification of the model - it may be a different rate being called a model or prototype than a toy boat for example. A LOT of the duties have changed and are changing. I have a factory near shanghai but do not import anything RC thru the company. But the items I do ship to the US have strange (and changing) taxes that defy logic. We only ship 20 and 40ft containers so easier in a way.
I am not sure who or how it is shipping with. You are likely to need a customs broker who should be able to provide some research and give an idea of what you are looking at to avoid surprises.
That said - you might want to do some thorough research on what you are getting. Chinese are honest and very hard working - BUT they also do not necessarily understand customer expectations. Once your money is sent - it is gone. I would not overlook the option of visiting the factory to see the completed model and supervise packaging. Once it ships - its yours. I have seen many flights for under $500us round trip with good connections lately. Consider it a holiday. Your Visa will cost you additional depending on what you apply for and how long you know in advance. You will need a letter of invitation from the manufacturer when applying. Last 40ft container I shipped from Qingdao to LA cost around $3k in shipping. But cost about $3k to then travel 50 miles in California on a truck.
I am not sure who or how it is shipping with. You are likely to need a customs broker who should be able to provide some research and give an idea of what you are looking at to avoid surprises.
That said - you might want to do some thorough research on what you are getting. Chinese are honest and very hard working - BUT they also do not necessarily understand customer expectations. Once your money is sent - it is gone. I would not overlook the option of visiting the factory to see the completed model and supervise packaging. Once it ships - its yours. I have seen many flights for under $500us round trip with good connections lately. Consider it a holiday. Your Visa will cost you additional depending on what you apply for and how long you know in advance. You will need a letter of invitation from the manufacturer when applying. Last 40ft container I shipped from Qingdao to LA cost around $3k in shipping. But cost about $3k to then travel 50 miles in California on a truck.
