hammond

I had to look this up, and am surprised to learn that you're right about having to declare these things... I never have.

Also found this interesting note on the US Customs website:

"For Customs purposes, clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects and cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects more than one year of age."

Since I have lived abroad since 2004, and acquired the majority of my photo equipment in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, this would apply to just about all my gear. Complicating things further, is that I've bought products FROM American retailers (KEH, UniquePhoto, etc) and had them shipped abroad!

I certainly don't plan to 'declare' my entire gear bag everytime I come home for the holidays when I bring my camera and kit. I don't even know how they could determine which items, where I bought them, and when I purchased them.

Wonder if I should just leave anything I've had less than a year in my apartment in Kiev when I come home for Thanksgiving...

... but I'll probably just take my chances.

Frankly, I think US Customs officials are more concerned with people bringing suitcases full of cheap smartphones, drugs, small children, etc than an odd lens or camera.
In the case of the OP - I'm not sure how US Customs could prove that you didn't have the camera with you when you left or that you purchased the item abroad (especially if you paid in cash).

Anyone on this thread ever had an issue with bringing photo gear through US Customs?

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

Just returned from China one month ago. Did some curiosity shopping just to see. No, the prices on QUALITY equipment are very competitive. Not worth the "GRAY MARKET" status. Discovered the same situation in Japan as well. Check out the manufactures web pages also for prices. Sometimes there are great deals on refurbished with full warranties.

hammond

On that note,

I just bought a Nikkor 105mm f1.4, which retails on Amazon and B&H for $2,195 (though last month it was on sale for $1,895), for $1,549 on e-infin.com (and just $1,429 for European customers).

Order was delivered within 3 days! (I was in Hong Kong)

The lens is brand new: grey market or not, it works great. Takes super sharp pictures as promised, and is covered by their 1-year warranty.
Looked up their reviews online and are 90+% positive...
... and they ship to the USA from the Worldwide site (they have 4 sites based on your region).

I'm probably gonna buy the D850 from them ($2,050 on their EU site): to me it's worth the risk given the warranty and great experience I had with the first order.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

It may be like buying grey market - your likely not going to get warranty coverage in the US.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

NO

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

OP did not mention Nikon therefore Nikon USA policy is moot here.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I was told that Nikon will not touch a gray market camera in the USA even if you pay, forget warranty.

kamilion

In response to your last two questions.
Your son can bring goods free of tax up to $600 from overseas! That’s one thing.

I am also a big B&H loyalist, but they don’t always have the best price. recently when I bought a lens for my Canon I’ve found the best deal at the Walmart’s online store. They have business through some big local camera stores. My lens arrived in one day free of state tax and shipping from a camera store in a neighboring state (ordered through Walmart) while B&H and other big name online stores all charge out of state tax (as required by law). The price was lowest among all others. It is a good idea to remember to check the prices on internet with other options instead of blind loyalty B&H, Adaroma etc pays off. Good luck to your son. Let’s us know whether he finds a killer deal in China.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

A tariff is a tax on imports. The CBP typically requires importers to pay the duties within 10 days of their shipments clearing customs. So the tariffs are paid to the U.S. government by importing companies.May 5, 2019.

Question: Are you an importing company? I could find no mention of a tariff on individuals. I could be wrong.

Silverrails

Not Sure, you might need to consider any possible effects of the political Tariffs that the Government has imposed, that may affect the prices of all Photography products.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Just buy it here before you go or when you get back. Savings not worth the problems that could come up later.

BebuLamar

Yeah but I think Nikon has the strictest policy among them. Regardless I don't see reason for buying in China as I don't think the price is lower there.

jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY

Tariffs are not applicable here. Duty and state taxes apply.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Never paid state or Duty taxes on photo equipment I brought back. Well, you learn something every day.

MDI Mainer

Does anyone know what language the menu will be for a camera purchased in China, unless it is an export model?