Customs Duties JP -> US

[RoboRepublic]

Hi folks, thinking of picking up a full camera kit, 3 lenses + body from a Japanese seller on the 'bay. I understand that for most purchases there is no import tax, but I'm wondering if a duty is incurred on a large kit? Its a fairly expensive rig, $6.5K or so :-|
I was curious for advice from anyone who's bought a big kit overseas from Japan, recently

 

[wiltw]

I've done the research a while ago, IIRC you only pay import taxes on medium format equipment, not on 35mm gear. I do not know how to avoid paying this tax. FedEx sends you the bill (I got it twice), and supposedly if they use Japan Mail -> USPS there's a chance you won't receive the bill.

Do you recall about how much money in dollars and as percentage of value you paid for the gear? Just curious.

 

[rulnacco]

Hmmmm, I guess I've been lucky, but I ordered several RZ67 lenses (250mm, 140 M-LA, 180 W-N, 90mm, 65 L-A) and a 120 Pro II back, all from different eBay sources in Japan and Taiwan, and I didn't have to pay import duties or taxes on any of them--and they came either via DHL or Fed-Ex. It may be that something as large as a full kit won't escape scrutiny--or perhaps the value will exceed some threshold--but it seems that the assessment of import duties can be a bit hit-or-miss.

 

[Mal Paso]

Under $600 there was no tax when I bought over a year ago.