I have an uncle in the USA who would like to buy a Rolex from me, I will visit over Xmas and can bring it with me, i do not want to fall foul of customs duty etc…. When I enter the USA (Florida) from the Uk, has anybody done this recently and how do I work out the costs etc…. Can I just go to the red declare line when I arrive and bring my Uk receipt with me? Your help would be appreciated
anyone entering the us wearing a high value watch must declare it
The key phrase is that non-citizens have to declare the value of any goods they are bringing into the United States that will remain in the United States.
if you are entering the US with a watch that is your own and that you will leave with, you don’t need to declare it.
if you are entering the US with a watch you intend to sell, then you should declare it and pay customs.
of course, this is what US law says you should do. What you choose to do is up to you.
one other thing to be aware of is that Rolex USA has vigorously sued on trademark grounds over the years enough that US customs interprets the code to mean that if you are bringing more than one Rolex into the US, the second is automatically considered merchandise for sell AND you have to have permission from the trademark owner (Rolex USA) to do so. If you don’t have Sid permission, the watch can be seized and turned over to Rolex.
here’s a copy of that actual ruling:
https://www.customsmobile.com/rulings/docview?doc_id=HQ+H071620
so, if you are going to bring it over, I would not have any other Rolex in my possession, just to be safe.
The key phrase is that non-citizens have to declare the value of any goods they are bringing into the United States that will remain in the United States.
if you are entering the US with a watch that is your own and that you will leave with, you don’t need to declare it.
if you are entering the US with a watch you intend to sell, then you should declare it and pay customs.
of course, this is what US law says you should do. What you choose to do is up to you.
one other thing to be aware of is that Rolex USA has vigorously sued on trademark grounds over the years enough that US customs interprets the code to mean that if you are bringing more than one Rolex into the US, the second is automatically considered merchandise for sell AND you have to have permission from the trademark owner (Rolex USA) to do so. If you don’t have Sid permission, the watch can be seized and turned over to Rolex.
here’s a copy of that actual ruling:
https://www.customsmobile.com/rulings/docview?doc_id=HQ+H071620
so, if you are going to bring it over, I would not have any other Rolex in my possession, just to be safe.
US Customs doesn't want to fool around figuring tax on your used Rolex, they really don't. When you hit the US the watch's sale is not guaranteed. Wear it in and forget about it.
Just beware that US customs does not accept credit cards (or at least didn’t as of 3 years ago). You will need either cash or a check to pay the tax.
@hotwheels - I recently imported a Laco from the factory. It was all broken down (case/movement/strap/etc) and on $1400 the duty was $36. I was billed by FedEx.
Frankly, bringing in a used Rolex to perhaps sell to a family member is something I would give exactly zero thought to. Wear it in. If something happens where while you’re here you decide to sell it, sell it. Ship the box & papers from home later. You’re way overthinking this. Customs has neither the time, the energy, or the inclination to interrogate every international traveler about their wristwatches. If you’re traveling with two Pateks, a Rolex, and a VC, all of which you have the boxes & papers for, you might have a problem.
Take a deep breath and come visit your family.
