Do I have to pay import tax or a tariff or duty fee if I buy an item from Australia and I live in the US?

Question

I've been eying a one of a kind handmade necklace on Etsy but the seller is from Australia and I live in the US. Under their shop policies, it says that they are not responsible for any import taxes or tariffs.

I asked if she could mark it as a gift and she said that she could, but then she wouldn't be able to insure it properly (and the necklace costs $140.) So, if it were to be lost in the mail it would be my loss... (The US admits duty-free genuine personal gifts not exceeding $25 USD value.)

I was wondering if anyone knows if I'll be charged with any kind of import tax, tariff or duty fees, even though I'd be purchasing the necklace for myself and not going to sell it over here in the US, etc.

I thought I read somewhere before that for purchases like this, you don't have to pay any kind of import tax, tariff or duty fees but I just want to be sure.

Answer 1

If you are paying, it is not a "genuine personal gift".

Is it really worth being charged with smuggling to save the tax on $140.

There is an exemption for goods up to $400 (this may have changed) that you bring back with you when returning from another country, with certain exceptions, but this does not apply to those you have shipped.

Additionally, anything you purchase from outside your home state and bring (or have shipped) to your home state may be subject to a "use" tax imposed by your home state.  This usually applies only to things that would have been subject to sales tax if you had purchased them in your home state.

Answer 2

Import duties are assessed by US Customs.  The duty varies based upon the item being imported and the country of origin of the items.  Keep in mind that the country of origin may not be the same as the shipping point.  Duties on jewelry vary widely from zero to several hundred percent.  Contact US Customs for further information.