Need advice on purchasing an expensive darkroom item from Germany to US

[gdi]

I’m trying to see if I can get a close estimate on US import duties to buy a film processor from Germany. The harmonized code is quite confusing and I am hoping someone can help me determine the actual duty I will incur.


If any experienced member is willing to offer some advice- please message me.

Thanks!

[JMO]

If you’re in the US and buying photo equipment from Germany I don’t think you have any Customs duty to pay. I’m certain of it for used photography gear, but believe it is so for new gear also.

[bmikiten]

I was a licensed importer and exporter as part of another business for years and found that if it is shipped directly via either Fed-Ex or DHL that for personal and used items you probably don't need to declare. Business to business is where you'll need the harmonized codes (https://hts.usitc.gov/current) and a Fed-ID number. If you are called by the shipper, they should be able to help if you can't find it in the link I provided. One other option is to call a vendor/importer for a similar item (JOBO) and ask what code they use. This may be an issue if a business ships to you from an international source.

[Greg]

A few years ago I purchased a JOBO processor that was shipped from Germany via Fed-Ex or DHL to my personal (not business) USPS mailbox. I had to sign for it, but there was no import duty fee.

[otto.f]

A few years ago I purchased a JOBO processor that was shipped from Germany via Fed-Ex or DHL to my personal (not business) USPS mailbox. I had to sign for it, but there was no import duty fee.

Before or during Trump is the question, as far as I read the papers diagonally well enough

[gdi]

Thanks, all - I think Otto.f may have highlighted the key point - I think the rules and or enforcement may have changed in the last few years. I sent a request to Customs for a binding decision and I’ll see what they have to say at some point.

[JayY]

Pls share reply from Customs. As I am considering to get new Chamonix 8x10. Thanks.

[bmikiten]

My experience is that the rules really only changed in the Canada/US/Mexico environment. We still import/export in North America and there have been some changes there but nothing internationally that I'm aware of at this point. I'd be interested if anyone finds something different.

[WarrenXL]

I was a licensed importer and exporter as part of another business for years and found that if it is shipped directly via either Fed-Ex or DHL that for personal and used items you probably don't need to declare. Business to business is where you'll need the harmonized codes (https://hts.usitc.gov/current) and a Fed-ID number. If you are called by the shipper, they should be able to help if you can't find it in the link I provided. One other option is to call a vendor/importer for a similar item (JOBO) and ask what code they use. This may be an issue if a business ships to you from an international source.

Yes, I managed to import once using the Fed-Ex delivery service without declaring.

[gdi]

I can update now - I was investigating a new Jobo CPP3 from Germany and base on the exchange rates at the time I could have saved around $650-700US, before considering duty. Of course the FX rates are not as favorable now as they were previously, but it might still makes sense depending on the fees.

I requested a ruling from CBP and it came back very quickly stating that the fee would be 2.4% - so given that, it pushed me just past the point where the hassles of importing make sense for me. So I am figuring how I can rationalize buying one at the US prices.

I can share that ruling if there is any interest, but that is the bottom line.

[bmikiten]

I'm sure you considered this but is that a 240V/50Hz machine? The replacement parts might be an issue here.

[gdi]

I'm sure you considered this but is that a 240V/50Hz machine? The replacement parts might be an issue here.

I’m not sure I am interpreting this correctly - the specs on the European sure has the following:

“ VOLTAGE: 230V/50Hz 330W (110V/60Hz 300 W)”

I was thinking out was dual voltage. In any case it is not worth the risk to order from Germany since the duty would be 2.5%.