Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]seungmin@luxmail.luxcom.com wrote: > > Hi, > > I have been buying some Leica cameras from abroad and gotten some > questions on the customs by different carriers and countries. <snip> David, I am no expert but believe this depends on several factors. 1. Whether or not the item is dutiable. This would depend on what it is and the country of origin. Note: country of origin is not from where it was shipped but where it was manufactured. 2. Whether or not customs wants to mess with the paperwork. In the case of items of nominal value, even though dutiable, customs may pass the item without assesing duty. 3. The carrier. You had experience with the Postal Service, USP, and Purolator. The often charge 'fees' to merely present the item to the customs authorities and you pay the fee regardless of whether any duty is levied by customs. In my opinion everything you paid was fees levied by the carrier, item 3 above. Though some do not like the mail the Postal Service does not charge any customs fee and in my opinion items mailed are most likely to be waved through without assesment of duty. All the best, Dennis - -- Experience is a tough teacher. It gives the test before the lesson. - -unknown