Duty for buying Panerai from Europe

[Milgauss J]

Hi all,

Has anyone had the experience of buying a Panerai from Europe and having the watch sent here? When the shipment comes do I have to pay a duty? If so, how much is it? Thanks in advance!

Best,

J.

[laphroaig007]

Well, I can tell about the reverse way.
When I bought watches from USA which were then shipped to me in France, I had to pay VAT and duties for a global amount of around 20% of the declared value of the watch. It occurred in 75% of cases.
So I'l figure out it would be the same principle when buying from Europe to ship to USA.
You buy the watch duty free in Europe (the seller is exporting the watch, so you can ask for VAT refund or rebate, if the seller is a professional seller).
But you have to declare it to US customs, in order to pay all tax and duties.
IMHO !

[laphroaig007]

You should have VAT and duties to pay with US customs.
Buy the watch in Europe from a professional seller, so he can make it without taxes.
Considering my reverse experience, when I bought from the USA and had the watches shipped to France, I had to pay about 24% of duties and taxes; amount of which was calculated on the basis of the declared value of the watch.
So if the watch you'd like to buy is not new, ask the seller to ship it with a USD 200 max value.

[rulessapt]

Originally Posted by laphroaig007

So if the watch you'd like to buy is not new, ask the seller to ship it with a USD 200 max value.

If the customs folk inspect the package and realise the value of the watch is greater than $200, you will be the one liable.
Worth thinking about, before you decide to ask someone to declare a different value.
Another point in this case, the maximum insured value of the package will be $200...are you willing to take the risk?

[btinl]

I was charged a State Use Tax (i.e. sales tax) 2 years after importing a watch from Italy. The state got the purchase info from US Customs.

[rr-nyc]

Are you traveling there or ordering it by phone/internet?

If traveling there, you could get the VAT refunded however you are obligated to declare it upon arrival in the US and pay duty.

[Milgauss J]

Thanks for all that has chimed in. I am ordering from Boutique and having them shipped. I don't mind pay duty. I just wanted to know if there was how much it would be. Since their prices seem pretty good considering the exchange is better now that USD has become stronger.

[leeye]

Originally Posted by Milgauss J

Hi all,

Has anyone had the experience of buying a Panerai from Europe and having the watch sent here? When the shipment comes do I have to pay a duty? If so, how much is it? Thanks in advance!

Best,

J.

Do you get the VAT refund when the watch is exported out from Europe? If VAT is included in the price then you will be paying for VAT on both ends which is a lot of extra money to pay. You could actually use the money saved to pay for a return ticket to Europe and save on paying VAT at US Customs.