Do watch/grey dealers in the US pay customs and taxes on watches?

[tough]

Hello everyone

So the main reason I am curious is as follows.
I live in Europe, and here the laws are very strict.

We have a few watches in the family that we want to sell, and some are old watches. A very reputable US dealer showed a lot of interest in them.
He said he can send me a label and I can ship it to him. I trust him because he is very very well known.

My problem is, I think he will insure it but not declare the value outside.
I don't want to take chances that customs will hold the watch. In Europe we will never be able to do such a thing.
I'm surprised and also a little worried if I should go ahead with it or its risky.

Thank you

[beshannon]

All items being imported in the US are required to pay legal and lawful duties. Failure to declare is a Federal crime.

Improper documentation could cause the item to be seized and/or forfeited.

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Artic...language=en_US

[tough]

Originally Posted by beshannon

All items being imported in the US are required to pay legal and lawful duties. Failure to declare is a Federal crime.

Improper documentation could cause the item to be seized and/or forfeited.

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Artic...language=en_US

Thank you for this.
In Europe it is 100% something that people will normally not do. They are very strict here, especially in Germany.
I was told by my friend that the dealer I speak of just writes that it is sent as a repair and return watch.
Honestly though I am not interested to deal with any problems that can be caused and thats why I thought I would ask here.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by tough

Thank you for this.
In Europe it is 100% something that people will normally not do. They are very strict here, especially in Germany.
I was told by my friend that the dealer I speak of just writes that it is sent as a repair and return watch.
Honestly though I am not interested to deal with any problems that can be caused and thats why I thought I would ask here.

Since that declaration would be fraudulent the watches run the risk of being seized.

[tough]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Since that declaration would be fraudulent the watches run the risk of being seized.

Thank you. I will tell him that he can only have them if the watches are declared at the values he is offering to pay for them.
Otherwise, I will sell them in Europe.

[brandrea]

It’s best not to get cute with customs

[crew]

Unless the grey is wiring you the money upfront, which I highly doubt, I wouldn’t do it. Too much risk on your end and only upside for the dealer by playing games with customs.

[tough]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It’s best not to get cute with customs

Originally Posted by crew

Unless the grey is wiring you the money upfront, which I highly doubt, I wouldn’t do it. Too much risk on your end and only upside for the dealer by playing games with customs.

I find it strange though.
The dealer is huge, very reputable and most people know him.
I don't see he can be in a position to blame his label and his insurance to blame me in any way for shipping it to him and declaring it different.
Ofcourse I am not worried he won't pay up, but just that he will treat it as my problem if customs take the watch or something happens along the way.

Anyway, I am not going to do this deal.
Thank you all

[DeeTee]

Customs won’t just take the diamond watch. They would isolate it and hit with the person with penalties.

Importing tax on watches to US isn’t that bad compared to Canada, Australia, etc.

[tough]

Originally Posted by DeeTee

Customs won’t just take the diamond watch. They would isolate it and hit with the person with penalties.

Importing tax on watches to US isn’t that bad compared to Canada, Australia, etc.

Yes I have already told him I won't do it unless the full value is declared.
I am not sure what % of the value he will have to pay, but I guess some dealers are too greedy to do it the legal way.
Maybe it is ok for him to take the risk at my expense, but I will not be doing it.

Thank you

[Brenngun]

If the dealer is willing to pay for the watches upfront and take full responsibility for the potential customs issues then I don't understand how you would end up being responsible or even involved in any problems that arise? It's on him not you. This of course only if he pays prior to shipment.

[tough]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

If the dealer is willing to pay for the watches upfront and take full responsibility for the potential customs issues then I don't understand how you would end up being responsible or even involved in any problems that arise? It's on him not you. This of course only if he pays prior to shipment.

Issue is he wants to pay after receiving the watch. To see if the condition is as photographed.
I will not bother taking the risk