Buying Rolex From Japan- Questions About Duties/Taxes etc.

[SN2354]

Hi All

I have been looking for a particular vintage Rolex for some time now. Of course what I like is overseas in Japan at a pretty tempting price via Chrono24.

Let's just say for arguments sake the item is $10,000. I totally understand there is sales tax involved (New York has 8.65%) which is paid to Chrono24. However the seller is saying I would have to pay additional duties and a customs clearance on delivery. The problem is the seller does not have all of the information or exact dollar amount as is not 100% familiar with our rules.

Has anybody bought a watch overseas, or Japan in particular that knows approximately how much on top of the sale price that I would have to pay?

Thank you so very much in advance!

[brandrea]

Here in Canada it is taxed based on what country the watch was manufactured in not the country or origin.

If it’s a Swiss watch, it would be taxed at 13% plus 5% duty.

[SN2354]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Here in Canada it is taxed based on what country the watch was manufactured in not the country or origin.

If it’s a Swiss watch, it would be taxed at 13% plus 5% duty.

Thank you, I am sure it does not work like this in the US, but curious to hear what some US members have to say

[Incroyable12]

There's a detailed tariff schedule which you can figure out yourself and send to the dealer to write on the customs invoice.

If you do it correctly you can save money on duties.

Otherwise there are ways to avoid duties.

[miamiclay]

I’ve bought a couple from Japan to US, and it was about 2 or 3%.

The rates are strange - they value the case, movement & bracelet/band separately, iirc there are different rates on each.

[b5rider]

I bought a watch off C24 from Japan, and I was taxed 4% of the sales price before State taxes. If the piece is brought in via DHL or FedEx, it will most definitely incur a duty tax

[Incroyable12]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

I’ve bought a couple from Japan to US, and it was about 2 or 3%.

The rates are strange - they value the case, movement & bracelet/band separately, iirc there are different rates on each.

Yes, on the NAWCC forum some members will discuss the 19th century Congressional acts that led to these tariffs.

The trick is to value the movement the highest because that's taxed the lowest. The case is taxed the highest.

[Scholar]

Due to Rolex USA's exclusivity deal, I thought it wasn't permitted (for Rolex in particular).

[favre12rodgers]

I just bought a Breitling a couple months ago from Japan....watch was $4,782 before 5.5% sales tax and I ended up paying $175.38 to Fedex for customs fees/duty, etc......

[FloydRedford]

I’ve bought a few watches from JP. My advice is to ask the seller how they plan to fill out the “Watch/Clock Worksheet” which will accompany the watch through customs. This worksheet breaks down the value of the movement, case, and band (and battery if quartz). The movement is taxed the lowest while band and case are taxed at a higher rate. Unless it’s a PM piece, the movement should be 80-90% of the value. A $10K SS watch should incur around $200 duty.

[beshannon]

The import broker will assist with the paperwork and duty payments

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-impo...rnet-purchases

Duty amounts are based on the HTS

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/internati...20rate%20(3%25).

[SN2354]

Thank you all! Looks like it is something like 3-5% of the total before state tax, c24 collects the state sales tax and customs charges the amount of the watch.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SN2354

Thank you, I am sure it does not work like this in the US, but curious to hear what some US members have to say

Originally Posted by SN2354

Thank you all! Looks like it is something like 3-5% of the total before state tax, c24 collects the state sales tax and customs charges the amount of the watch.

So about the same (our tax rate excluded)

Did you buy the watch?

[PossumDixon]

It really matters on who the shipper is that the seller chooses. In my experience, with several transactions, off of eBay and Chrono24, if the item comes EMS, I have never paid any duty to the USA. DHL, on the other hand, always charges duty. I recently paid $93 on a $2500 item, so 3.7%. FedEx also always stops the package for duty, and the figure is usually about the same. FedEx tends to hold the watch up for a longer period, until a watch worksheet is collected, that the seller needs to complete, and can be a major hassle.

Another interesting thing is if you buy an item on eBay with Authenticity Guarantee, where the watch is checked in the US, I have never paid any duty on those watches.

[MinMay]

I recall when the shipper use company like fedex or ups, the shipping company would send a watch form and you need to breakdown the cost of movement, case, bracelet and your tax is based on the cost. And then shipping company will send you a bill.

FYI shipping company will send the info to IRS and you need to report it as use tax

I would avoid buying international. Not worth the headache.

[JDA0779]

Hello there,
My 2 cents on the matter.
Strongly suggest to connect with “ Austin Daniels” on youtube - he stays in Greater Tokyo and has zillion watch videos on vintage and neo vintage Rolexes.
HE WILL MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE bit and bobs of the vintage rolex are period correcr and will source u the best watch from all available.
He will advise in detail about the import to States as well. He knowledge about Rolexes in Japan is next to one IMHO. Check you his videos and you shall see.
Thanks and hope this helps :) JD dxb