US Import Duty

[Kent Wang]

What does it say on the Royal Mail website? They may have more info.

You could also call USPS and they may be able to give you more information. Rarely, though. They pretty much have the same info as the public website, but once I had a shipment that had a vague description like yours and they said when I called that they were able to see it was in customs.

Also, Registered Mail may have small delays and be tracked differently, as it has to be signed by an employee at every stage and kept in a locked part of the building. I never use it; it's not worthwhile.

 

[Kent Wang]

According to Pitney Bowes and a few other sources:

Good news for US consumers! Starting March 10, 2016, imports of merchandise up to USD 800 will be allowed into the United States free from duties and taxes.
The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 raises the de minimis threshold for low value shipments. Section 901 amends the Trade Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C)) to raise the limit on amount of exemption from USD 200 to USD 800. This amendment applies to merchandise imported or withdrawn from the warehouse for consumption on or after the 15th day after the date of enactment of the Act. The enactment date was February 24, 2016.

 

[Elessar]

According to Pitney Bowes and a few other sources:

Good news for US consumers! Starting March 10, 2016, imports of merchandise up to USD 800 will be allowed into the United States free from duties and taxes.
The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 raises the de minimis threshold for low value shipments. Section 901 amends the Trade Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C)) to raise the limit on amount of exemption from USD 200 to USD 800. This amendment applies to merchandise imported or withdrawn from the warehouse for consumption on or after the 15th day after the date of enactment of the Act. The enactment date was February 24, 2016.

This is great news! Can anybody confirm this? I've been holding out on some shoe purchases after getting hit with customs in late February this year. If only I'd waited a month.

 

[Reevolving]

Is the VAT tax still a thing?
What will it now be for a $300 item ?