Have you had to pay hefty customs fees when buying from Japan?

[Joshua Dunn]

So I just recently purchased an expensive lens from Japan and it was shipped to me in the United States via DHL. I received communication from them that I needed to pay an import duty of about 5.5% to receive the package. From the paperwork if the item was listed as less than $800 I would not be charged a duty. I paid it and now have my lens.

-Joshua

[PhillyPete]

So I just recently purchased an expensive lens from Japan and it was shipped to me in the United States via DHL. I received communication from them that I needed to pay an import duty of about 5.5% to receive the package. From the paperwork if the item was listed as less than $800 I would not be charged a duty. I paid it and now have my lens.

-Joshua

Intertesting. I just bought a very expensive lens from Japan and it shipped Fedex. I had to supply a form 5106 to them for it to clear, it's still in customs limbo 24 hours past form submission. By the percentage you provided above, I might have to fork over another $275 to get it delivered.

Otherwise I have never had to pay customs fees on anything coming into the U.S. at least thus far.

[Alan Klein]

Intertesting. I just bought a very expensive lens from Japan and it shipped Fedex. I had to supply a form 5106 to them for it to clear, it's still in customs limbo 24 hours past form submission. By the percentage you provided above, I might have to fork over another $275 to get it delivered.

Otherwise I have never had to pay customs fees on anything coming into the U.S. at least thus far.

Maybe you are paying the sales tax in the US state you live in and not an import duty? See this link.
https://www.shoppinginjapan.net/customs-duty/

[PhillyPete]

Maybe you are paying the sales tax in the US state you live in and not an import duty? See this link.
https://www.shoppinginjapan.net/customs-duty/

I already paid that through eBay, it is mandatory now. It could just free up and deliver but I am prepared to pay a customs fee I guess.