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Need info on getting rims through Customs.

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I went to US customs website and can't find/figure out squat. I want to get some rims from Australia and need to know how much this is gonna cost me to get them into the country. Rim price is $350 w/ $285 shipping. Any idea what customs will charge me/how to go about this? Thanks
 
They'll let you know.
Trust me.

Before delivery can be made, you will receive a bill to pay.

BTDT.

Unless it isa writte up as obsolete auto parts over 50 years old.
Which they are not.
 
Don't remember having customs issues when I bought my rims from England. Paid the price and shipping, they were at my door in 3 or 4 days.
 
kellys guy, google "australia-u.s. fare trade agreement", part "gatt 1994", the way i read it we dont pay a "tariff" when importing, nore do they when receiving from us, dont hold me to it, ya might want to have your lawyer look it over. :smirk:
 
:nonono: The lawyer will likely cost you more than import taxes, if any.
 
anthony7777 said:
Bayless said:
:nonono: The lawyer will likely cost you more than import taxes, if any. :lol:, how true, maybe hes got a lawyer thats a friend?.... im thinkin-thinking....nah! :devilgrin:

Actually, I just got off the phone with my lawyer friend. ( who is also a car guy who requires allot of mechanical advice)

:winner1:
 
I wouldn't think this is a problem. Just have them shipped to you.

m
 
yeah, but if Dave's right, someone wants to get paid first (and it aint me)
 
I bought a complete stainless exhaust system for my Spit from Rimmer Bros in the UK (header, pipes, twin "silencers" and hardware) and a Motalita steering wheel. About $800 shipped. Never got hit with import duty.
 
Depends.
I deal with imports from Oz all the time, and have for the past 18 years or so.
You never know.
I've been "dinged" twice, appealed, won both.

What happens is you get a notice in your mailbox or from your carrier, stating you owe the Customs folks so much.
In my case (USPS), the postman didn't even have the package. I had to drive to the main Post Orofice and pay up to get the package.
There is no way I know of on INDIVIDUAL shipments to get a pre-determination.
Try to get some yay-who at Customs to even answer the phone.

Now, if you're bringing in a shipload of Toyotas every month, yeah, they'll tell you how much.
But they'll still inspect them.

They determine if the product is competing with US made goods.
They see if it can be used for another purpose than that stated (like your ecologically-friendly back-up battery for emergencies....if it can be used in an automobile, it is taxed on the higher use).

So, depends.

Also, on how smart the shipper is and what customs code he puts on the box.

Have fun!
 
~WELL~, here's a suprise..... I called Fed Ex who will be handling the shipment and they were CLUELESS......I called US Customs and Border Protection and talked with a nice gentleman named Chris. He was MOST helpfull. He stayed on the phone and walked me through the website and taught me how to use the HTS to determine what my costs would be. He alao gave me the number of my local import specialist just in case I needed a 100% dead solid price. He was on the phone with me for about ten minutes. I'll never say anything bad about a government employee again !!!! This guy rocks !!!

BTW, IT's FREE !!!!!!!!!
 
It's hit and miss.

Last thing you ever wanted to do was to alert Customs as to what was coming through.

Oh, well.

You ever follow how the Customs folks only ever uncover a small percentage of what they think is coming into the country?

Well, same here.

Which is why, in 18 years of importing from Oz, at least 15, up to 20 shipments a year, I've been hit twice.

What I want to know is how it's shipping in so cheap.

I have a box that would fit 1.5, maybe, of those rims, and the weight is much less, PO wants $130+ to ship it, no insurance!
 
What rims are you buying from Australia?

If they are Superlites....contact Hap Waldrop here on the BCF (Acme Speed Shop)...he is a supporter here on the BCF...is/was a Superlite dealer...and now has a comparable rim available.

Like others have stated....I've purchased MG items from England (minilyte replica rims and other bits and pieces from the MGOC)...I received them in less than a week via FedEx....and I've sold items to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand...without problems on either end.

On the USPS Customs forms, I indicate "antique auto parts" on the form.
 
Rick-

They must have changed the forms and procedure since my last go around with customs.

The forms were filled out by the shipper, who had to state "antique auto parts".
We never used to be able to change the forms on this end.

Good deal if they did that!
 
great but where is the pic of the rims?
 
TOC said:
Rick-

They must have changed the forms and procedure since my last go around with customs.

The forms were filled out by the shipper, who had to state "antique auto parts".
We never used to be able to change the forms on this end.

Good deal if they did that!

In these cases, I **am** the shipper.
 
Ah, so.
Then it hasn't changed.

Once you put it on paper (as shipper), there is no way I know of to "modify" forms.
 
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