All-I am buying a vintage watch (non-Rolex) from a seller in Italy. I am in the United States. A few months ago, I bought a similar watch from a seller in France. In that case, the seller shipped the watch, insured at full value (which was disclosed on the package), and when it arrived in the US the shipper contacted me and required that I complete a customs declaration form, which essentially asked for the value of the watch components (case, dial, movement, strap), which was quite a bit less than the value of the watch as a whole. The purchase price was also disclosed. There were no customs issues or duty levied. Now, my seller in Italy says that his shipper requires that he complete the US customs form, that he include an invoice with the sale price, and that the amounts on the customs form match the invoice. We are not trying to be inaccurate or sneaky in any way, but I am concerned that I will have a very different result with US customs this time. Any thoughts or suggestions as to how best to approach the situation? Thanks in advance.

 

I would suggest using Parcel Pro. They handle all this for you, but you will pay customs duties on the declared/insured value. Its generally billed later. Parcel Pro is absolutely the best and easiest method for insured shipping.

FYI- Fedex and UPS insurance will not cover a watch + its very expensive compared to Parcel Pro

 

I know you said this isn't a Rolex, but FYI- the Rolex import ban is no longer enforced on imports into the US

 

Look up and provide the correct Harmonized Code, then break down the values into case, movement and strap. Customs has no right to charge you on the full value of the watch, so you can include that without fear.

 

FYI, just went through this. they have a generic breakdown of parts:

50% movement
30% strap/bracelet
20% case

that's all they need apparently. I just got off the phone with FexEx about 30 minutes ago for the very same reason. We'll see if there are any import taxes to pay too.

 

Actually they don't handle all this for you - usually the shipper fills out the paperwork required listing the value breakdown of the various parts of the watch. I do this many times per week shipping back to the US and I am very familiar with the process through ParcelPro and FedEx as I have done it at least a thousand times.

 

I'm curious why you would say they have no right to charge based on the full value of the watch? Can you explain this please?

Cheers, Al

 

Correct, you have to fill out the form on the Parcel Pro site...but my rep at Parcel Pro has always assisted me with any issues.

 

Of course it's in their interest to have the watch moving and not sitting around.

 

went into effect a few months ago...there is a large thread on the topic

 

I can't find the thread, it must have been in the Rolex Forum. But look at the old Crown & Caliber article, its updated:

However, it appears that these restrictions have been lifted as of early April. After speaking with two different U.S. Customs officials, we have received confirmation that Rolex watches, both new and pre-owned, can now be shipped into the United States and the company no longer possesses “Gray Market Patent Protections.” The lift of these Rolex importation restrictions can also be confirmed on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website. Notice that the page says “NO” to “Gray Market Importations Restricted.” While the officials offered no details and did not elaborate on the matter, it is clear that the restrictions are no longer in place, which means that Rolex watches can now be imported into the United States. We will continue to update this post as more information is presented to us.

— End Update —

[The below information was accurate prior to the lift of these importation restrictions. This article was updated May 21, 2015.]

- See more at: https://www.crownandcaliber.com/wat...-into-the-united-states/#sthash.xVQuJ9Bf.dpuf

 

Because, at least to my understanding, Customs is required to value used watches on the basis of the breakdown of the individual parts.

Now, if you are arguing that absent such a breakdown, they are legally allowed to calculate on the basis of the full, declared value of the watch, that may be true, though I expect that even a belated presentation of a breakdown would force a recalculation.

 

Yes, it must add up to the declared value, but the duties are lower when the breakdown is supplied.

 

This assumes the watch would be cleared by customs without the breakdown, and that is not my experience. Without that breakdown I have never had a watch clear customs via FedEx - they always require it.

BTW I'm not arguing anything, just asking questions, as again what you are saying is quite different than my experience, but I am not on the receiving end with shipments to the US...

 

I have only seen the same article quoted as "proof" in different places on various watch forums. My personal policies with regards to shipping Rolex watches into the US have not changed as I take that article with a large grain of salt for the same reasons you do...more questions than answers...

Ideally something from RUSA would put this to bed, because this is something they are (or were, as the case may be) asking to be enforced. US Customs isn't doing this just for their own amusement...this is RUSA enforcing their trademark rights. Knowing what I know about Rolex, I'm skeptical that they would give up anything that might give them less control over the US market.

Cheers, Al