26905: Nugent: (reply) Fwd: Edouard Reply Re: 26891 Importing Arts: Re: 26848: Bell replies (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

from Victoria Edouard vhnugent@yahoo.com (reply) re: importing Haitian Arts and
Crafts

  Most Haitian arts and crafts are duty free but I believe they do have to be
declared especially if you plan on re-selling them - you just don't have to pay
duty tax on them. However, it is the importer's responsibility to have each
item properly classified in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of
the US to prove the item is duty free. It's recommended that you get a letter
ruling from US customs in NY as to each item's proper classification. This is
not expensive just time consuming. You should check out the US Customs website
they actually have some very good info available.

  Here's a link to their page with info for infrequent importers, a good place
to try your hand:
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/import/infrequent_importer_info/

  If you're seriously thinking of importing you should also consider checking
out the many books available on starting an import business in your library or
local bookstore.

  Good luck! Victoria Edouard