US customs question

[peterpl]

Hi guys,

Just a question if you are a non US resident and whilst on holiday in the US you wanted to trade your Rolex with a US dealer or private trade - is it going to be an issue bringing in the watch into the US with the box and papers?

I don't think so right as your not a US citizen and your trading a second hand item. The watch was purchased all taxes paid in your country of residence already.

Any insights would be great.

Cheers

[Roger Lococco]

The Customs form asks if any commercial goods will remain in the United States, regardless of whether or not you are a U.S. resident.

[peterpl]

So does that mean you have to pay duties on that? If so isn't that double dipping as you've already paid all duties in your local country? And also what if you brought the box and papers with you but the deal/swap never happened?

There should be 0 duties on second hand item trades or sales or thats not the case there?

Whats even more confusing is what if you bought the watch 2nd or 3rd hand in your local country and its already 5 years old and you want to trade it with someone in the US? Surely you dont have to pay duties on that.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by peterpl

So does that mean you have to pay duties on that? If so isn't that double dipping as you've already paid all duties in your local country? And also what if you brought the box and papers with you but the deal/swap never happened?

There should be 0 duties on second hand item trades or sales or thats not the case there?

Whats even more confusing is what if you bought the watch 2nd or 3rd hand in your local country and its already 5 years old and you want to trade it with someone in the US? Surely you dont have to pay duties on that.

You always pay, if you buy a watch in the US and pay sales tax you will have to pay VAT again in the EU i.e.
Second hand or not, does not matter

[TC94]

Originally Posted by peterpl

Hi guys,

Just a question if you are a non US resident and whilst on holiday in the US you wanted to trade your Rolex with a US dealer or private trade - is it going to be an issue bringing in the watch into the US with the box and papers?

I don't think so right as your not a US citizen and your trading a second hand item. The watch was purchased all taxes paid in your country of residence already.

Any insights would be great.

Cheers

You’re bringing a personal item into the US, not a commercial item. You don’t have to declare a legal personal item upon entering the US. If questioned, and you won’t be, you just explain that you store your watch in its box for protection when traveling. This is not illegal. This is not taxable. This is not declarable.

When re-entering your home country, that’s when you have to declare what you did. However, you may be paying local sales tax in the US when you buy. I’m not sure if you can get that back. The AD may know.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by peterpl

. . .
I don't think so right as your not a US citizen and your trading a second hand item. The watch was purchased all taxes paid in your country of residence already.

Any insights would be great.

Cheers

You are importing an item into the US, you need to follow US law for import, duties, and taxes.

[Alexwwjd]

I think you should declare it... check customs' form.

[dakota.destiny]

You wear it in , trade sell it and wear the new one home. just bought a watch overseas wore it home put the box in the luggage no issues.

[dakota.destiny]

ship the box home by itself.

[Art 1]

We just wear them. Taking 3 tomorrow. Two on the wrists one in our bags.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by dakota.destiny

You wear it in , trade sell it and wear the new one home. just bought a watch overseas wore it home put the box in the luggage no issues.

Originally Posted by dakota.destiny

ship the box home by itself.

Until his home country gets involved, not sure why you are encourqaging someone to break the law?

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Alexwwjd

I think you should declare it... check customs' form.

Under line 14 if your intent is to do this transaction, then yes it must be declared.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Under line 14 if your intent is to do this transaction, then yes it must be declared.

Wouldn't the watch be considered a personal effect since it's not really for resale?

The OP could decide not to trade the watch and just wear it in the US. Would they still need to declare on customs form?

[goin camping]

Originally Posted by dakota.destiny

You wear it in , trade sell it and wear the new one home. just bought a watch overseas wore it home put the box in the luggage no issues.

This!^^

There is no reporting done by the person you trade or sell/buy with to the federal gov. ours or yours.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by texasmade

(1)Wouldn't the watch be considered a personal effect since it's not really for resale?

(2)The OP could decide not to trade the watch and just wear it in the US. Would they still need to declare on customs form?

(1)No. It is a personal effect as long as you, personally, are using it. Once you decide to leave it behind, either by sale or trade, it is an imported good and subject to duty and tax.

(2) If you are "just wearing it", then no, it does not need to be declared; it is not being imported (left behind)

There is no magic way to import an item into any country.

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by Tools

[COLOR="red"]

(2) If you are "just wearing it", then no, it does not need to be declared; it is not being imported (left behind)

There is no magic way to import an item into any country.

So entering the US, OP needs to declare but if OP decides not to go through with the trade then what. Will they get their money back since nothing was really sold/traded?