Thread: Costs to Import

Does anyone know what the tariff (import) rate is on belly dance costumes from Egypt?

Or any other costs associated with buying costumes (in bulk) overseas...

I'm trying to determine if it would be best for me to import costumes myself or if I should buy items from other US importers.

I want to make sure I'm taking everything into account...and won't be surprised by costs I wasn't aware of.

A lot depends on the shipping method used and how the paperwork is filled out. It is calculated by the weight of the shipment, the number of boxes, and declared value. Then plan on adding a 'broker' fee in addition to that shipping charge and customs charge (which are ridiculous IMHO). It can be quite costly, I don't think most people realize. You can spend as much or a little more in shipping/customs/broker fees as you do on the cost of the costumes themselves!! There was another thread recently that touched on the subject of international paperwork that circumvented a lot of these charges (marking shipment as 'gift' and lowering the declared value, etc). Some don't like doing that, others think it's a necessary evil. If you're serious about importing, do extensive homework or you just might be in for a surprise!