bringing stuff into the US from Japan
Mark Crispin
I do it all the time. If you are accompanying the goods from Japan
you can bring in $400 duty-free, plus a flat 10% duty on the next
$1000 worth, then whatever the duty rate is. Laser discs are 5.3%. I
don't know what the duty rate is for video tapes or electronics; it is
higher though. I always use my exemption for tapes/electronics and
pay duty on the discs to save money.
Books are not dutiable.
If you are into bishojo, loli-con, or bishonen materials, be advised
that customs *does* frown on what might be considered pornography.
I've never had any problems, but then again I didn't specifically
mention my "Creme Lemon" tapes. At that time, they were much more
interested in charging me duty on my "Urusei Yatsura" (no problems;
girls in tiger-skin bikini's are OK) and "Mezon Ikkoku" laser discs.
The last time, I brought in four sets of the complete "Mexon Ikkoku"
TV series. I went directly to the red customs line -- I *knew* they
would want to have a nice long chat with me! The sheer quantity (96
discs) got their attention all right, but after about 1/2 hour they
agreed I was for real and they charged me exactly the duty I figured
they would.
Mark Crispin / 6158 Lariat Loop NE / Bainbridge Island, WA 98110-2020
m...@CAC.Washington.EDU / M...@WSMR-SIMTEL20.Army.Mil / (206) 842-2385
Atheist & Proud / 450cc Rebel pilot -- a step up from 250cc's!!!
tabesaserarenakerebanaranakattarashii...kisha no kisha ga kisha de kisha-shita
sumomo mo momo, momo mo momo, momo ni mo iroiro aru
uraniwa ni wa niwa, niwa ni wa niwa niwatori ga iru
Ned D. Danieley
jo, gi, etc)? How about good places to shop for such goods? I'm
going over in November with a group of Aikidoka, and I'm sure we'll
want to load up.
Btw, the info on what to do in and around Tokyo is great; keep it
coming!
Ned Danieley (n...@sunbar.mc.duke.edu)
Basic Arrhythmia Laboratory
Box 3140, Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-6807 or 684-6942