US Custom Tax Rate to bring in lens from Asia

[Einst_Stein]

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Anyone knows the tax rate at US airport custom to bring in brand new lens purchasef from oversea?

Edited November 5, 2017 by Einst_Stein

[Irakly Shanidze]

just ditch the box

[jaapv]

You’re the first person I know who would actually declare such an item at customs. Just put it in the camera bag.

 

Anyway, as far as I can make out, photographic gear is free of import taxes in the USA:

 

https://www.usitc.gov/publications/docs/tata/hts/bychapter/1201c90.pdf

[frame-it]

attach it to the camera body..and walk right through..keep the older lens in the bag.

[Bill W]

Ship the empty boxes home and put the items in your bag. 

[Einst_Stein]

Thanks for all the practical suggestions but I really want to know the Big Brother's rules... or the Big Uncle's.

[steveBK]

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I've declared and not paid any customs

My recollection is that cameras import to US dont pay duty

Also US citizens get ~$800 duty free per person, so I was probably within my family group limit anyway

[Einst_Stein]

Got my photo equipment, brand new, made in Germany, purchased and shopped from Hong Kong, insured to full price, US$8000.

Paid US$27 for custom tax, plus US$10 processing fee to DHL. total US$37. 

 

No need to play trick to avoid the tax.