Originally Posted by
filon
Hi NeverFirst and all who have bought from koffer24 or koffer-direct.
Since both stores don't charge you VAT up front, how much duty or import tax does one have to pay when the luggage arrives in the US?
Any information is much appreciated!
Thank you.
Just to be clear, any import duty into the destination country is not charged
because VAT was not charged in the originating country. It is perfectly possible to be charged both VAT
and import duties.
The answer for import duty liability into the US is actually quite complex and depends on your residency status and final destination of the goods (you might be liable for taxes from individual states in addition to any duty at the federal level).
The duty rate for suitcases seems to be 20%, so for an $800 suitcase you will be liable for $160 duty (plus handling charges, plus state taxes).
However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence around here that for single, personal shipments the duty is not charged. There is an $800 exemption for personal goods but it's my understanding that this only applies if you personally carry the goods across the border (as though you were returning from vacation) it is not meant to apply for shipped goods).