Cost of X1 in Europe vs. the U.S.; US import analysis

[michael friedberg]

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I thought some of you might find my rough calculation interesting. I imported my M8 to the US several years ago, and if I recall there were no import duties but there had to be special clearance for an electronic device. Also, I've ordered camera gear from Asia and there was no customs issue, although the value was much less.

 

But of course this is all academic if no dealer has an X1 to sell.

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[bad robot]

Regarding custom duties. Be aware, that you could get hit with a large bill. Last year I bought a cowboy shirt from the USA (don't ask why) It cost me about $70. A week or so after it was delivered, UPS sent me bill for duy for about £25 extra. Apparently they also charged a huge "admin" fee.

 

I have ordered other items, but were never charged duty. I guess I was unlucky that one time. If I spent $2000 what could I get charged with?

[damnsharp]

That's also my expierence. We bought a custom made baseball glove in USA and the customs costs where quit a bit. Nobody could calculate exactly what we had to pay.

[Stewart Weir]

Regarding custom duties. Be aware, that you could get hit with a large bill. Last year I bought a cowboy shirt from the USA (don't ask why) It cost me about $70. A week or so after it was delivered, UPS sent me bill for duy for about £25 extra. Apparently they also charged a huge "admin" fee.

 

I have ordered other items, but were never charged duty. I guess I was unlucky that one time. If I spent $2000 what could I get charged with?

 

Ask B+H Photo in New York. Ive bought gear in New York and got through customs but that was back in 2004. You could also check out the governments Custom and Excise web page. Sorry im no help here..!

[jpmac55]

The only advantage I see leaving stateside for Europe is getting the camera right now. The potential hassle is just not worth saving less than two hundred bucks.

[michael friedberg]

With respect, several people who posted here don't understand how duties work. Many countries, like the US, have complicated tariff schedules, with different percentages charged to different goods. Some goods are free. I know antiques, for example, are duty-free when entering the US. If I recall from a few years ago, after researching the tariffs and importing my M8 a camera was also free (but I'm not sure about lenses) to the US.

 

I believe that the EEU differs, because VAT is charged on imports.

 

In addition, most of the carriers process customs on behalf of the importer, and do charge a fee, as described. In the US is it around $25 for FedEx if I recall, but I haven't checked in the past year.

 

So --for the US person the duties are nominal but that's not necessarily true for other countries. Also, much depends on enforcement, which is frankly not necessarily consistent.

[farnz]

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... I guess I was unlucky that one time. If I spent $2000 what could I get charged with?

Digital cameras don't attract import duty in the UK but you'll be liable for VAT.

 

Pete.

[barjohn]

If you use FedEx or UPS you will probably be charged a customs brokerage fee. Use the postal service express mail equivalent in the country you are buying from shipped to the US with a tracking number and the USPS does not charge a customs brokerage fee. That has been my experience on several imports.

[jsrockit]

If you use FedEx or UPS you will probably be charged a customs brokerage fee. Use the postal service express mail equivalent in the country you are buying from shipped to the US with a tracking number and the USPS does not charge a customs brokerage fee. That has been my experience on several imports.

 

That sounds right to me too... this is my experience as well.