A few years ago we fell in love with South African wines while there and brought back 2 cases, fully expecting to pay duty on them. The US customs site says duty will be 3%. They waived us through customs without paying any duty.

Last week we went to the Barossa and Mclaren Vale wine regions, and bought 4 cases, again expecting to pay 3% duty. We were told that the amount we paid was irrelevant, and were charged 23 cents per bottle for 46 bottles (2 can come in duty free). With a small service charge, we paid about $15.00 duty on 46 bottles of Australian wine.

Anyone ever been charged the 3%?