How much to pay for import tax to order camera from amazon (ship from japan)

I have bought many items abroad, and never been asked to pay duty/tax. I think generally, the chance of that happening is very low.

 

depends on the shipper. some are more prone to getting inspection than others.

ive gotten hits on wristwatches from germany. '

forgot the rate. been a while since i lived in usa.

 

I've gotten a camera body (GM1) from Amazon that was shipped from Japan and I got no notice of taxes or import fees.

 

That's been my experience as well. I'm sure the customs guys have the packages sniffed for drugs and radiation but beyond that it cannot be cost-effective for them to assess and attempt collection of tiny amounts of duty.

Amazon may collect sales tax in your state, but that will be on everything you buy directly from Amazon itself (not necessarily from Amazon merchants) regardless of origin.

That said, I'm sure there will be anecdotes where it happened but in my experience it is not the rule. I don't even think about it when buying. My only concern is shipping method/speed/cost.

 

+1. Never had to pay more than what was calculated by Amazon at purchase on items purchased through the "Amazon Marketplace."

 

If only the UK customs would take that approach! Due to the UK camera prices being typically 50% more in some instances a lot of people buy from outside of the EU to try and take advantage of cheaper prices. However, if caught by customs there would be a 25% charge on the value of the goods plus postage, which can run into hundreds of pounds when buying camera gear. I often take the gamble as even if I do need to pay duty and tax and I am still often better off by around 10 to 20% when compared to Amazon pricing.

 

I bought my O45 off eBay from Japan and wondered what would happen about import duties as I read somewhere on eBay that I would be subject to pay it. But I was never charged anything and I received the lens very quickly. Normally I buy from B&H though, so I only have the one experience.

 

I've ordered cameras, lenses and other stuff from Japan, Korea, China, etc. I've never been asked to pay duty on anything......