For those who recently purchased from outside the country like the HELM watch, did you have to pay a tariff or duty fees after you received your order?

When I went to HELM watch website, the site specifically states "small parcels from China valued under US$800.00 are currently subject to a duty rate of 30%. This means watch orders for customers in the USA now include a shipping charge of US$50.00, which covers both the shipping cost and the tariff/duty charges". Very straightforward. My question is, did you receive an invoice from the shipping company after delivery?

I asked because I ordered a metal watchband and adapter for my Citizen diver watch from Hong Kong (not HELM watch), total cost $310 including FedEx shipping. They did not indicate that the Duty Tax is included. Couple of days after it was delivered, I received a text and email asking me to pay Duty Taxes. I ignored it as I thought it was a scam from FedEx. Yesterday, I received an itemized bill from FedEx via USPS mail, with a very detailed invoice. It was also stamped with Department of Homeland Security somewhere on the bill. It was only for $16.29. It was for Customs Duty and Disbursement Fee. I have no issue paying the bill.

I am just wondering if this is what to be expected from now on when we order something from overseas. Or if the vendor (like HELM watch) collects the Duty Fees ahead of time, then we should not expect any bill here in the US?

I’ve worked in supply management and companies outsource that part to import/export logistics specialists because it’s that complicated. It’s too much to keep up with if it’s just part of your job and not your full time job. And, even then, those guys rely on other experts to update them on the latest and greatest.

It depends on the agreement and current import laws as to what and who pays costs. I remember even years ago having to deal with paying some customs tax on a personal purchase.