I'll be returning from Paris soon and I've made some souvenir purchases (clothing articles for family) from street market stalls where I didn't get a receipt. The total paid will be something like $100-150 US. I know I should've checked details before I left... Am I going to have an issue bringing this stuff back through Customs? I don't think I've bought enough to recoup any VAT $. Does US Customs have a helpful website? Thanks in advance.
(Hey, great trip, so far)
Posted by
Portland
3592 posts
Forget about recouping the VAT. That's possible only at stores that participate in the scheme and involves filling out paperwork at the time of purchase. In addition, there is generally a lower limit under which the stores won't do it, usually more than $150. As for U.S. customs, you will be given a form to fill out on your return flight, on which you'll be asked to list your purchases and their cost. You're allowed way more than $150 duty-free. I think it's $400/pp, but that may be out of date. (Not an issue for us - -we've never come close to the limit.) The inspectors barely glance at the forms unless you've indicated that you are bringing in certain kinds of proscribed products, like some cheeses and meats. If you look like their image of a drug smuggler, they may subject you to closer scrutiny.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7025 posts
No problems coming back through customs. Just fill out the forms they give you on the plane before arriving. You won't need to show receipts for small $$ items. Personal allowance is now $800, anything over that is subject to duty fee.
Posted by
Green Bay
20032 posts
I'm still waiting for my refund from January. My experience is, it goes to the Department of Denying Claims. It is in the same building as Department of No Customer Service.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
My experience flying into Canada ( which usually has a lower limit allowed then States for bring back) is the custom agents can certainly tell less exspensive clothing from Chanel and Dior designer wear $$$ .. I have never had my few clothing pick up even looked at .. and like you they have never been more then a hundred/hundred fifty. If you have left price tags on that could help.. but really unless the items are very good imitations of posh items you will have no problem.. and since most of the stuff in those areas seem to be made in places like China, Pakistan, etc.. the agents know the price range..
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
VAT is out.
On the customs form write 'souvenirs' and '$250' (or whatever your fair guess is). There will be no discussion.
If something does come up (never happened to me, but I do it anyway), have the stuff on top or grouped somehow so they can take a look without digging.
Posted by
Chicago
8038 posts
As people have noted, no one cares about minor purchases like this. Just give an estimate on the customs forms. Just not an issue.
On the VAT. To recoup VAT from French stores, you have to spend at least 175+ Euro in one store on one single day to get any refund. You can do this at several stores, but you cannot accumulate smaller purchases over several days or from several stores. The store then has to provide paperwork which you get stamped at the airport and mail back to the store (if they have not run the Vat) or perhaps the agency the store uses. The store gives you an addressed envelop for this purpose when you complete the paperwork at the store.
So you cannot just add up receipts for numerous small purchases and claim VAT.
Posted by
2081 posts
AK,
My souvenir purchases are usually less than 100 USD per country. So i dont do the VAT.
when it comes to customs i dont declare the stuff either since i usually send it back home. I do declare it on the package, but its usually not enough.
you can declare the stuff on the form. chance are they will look at it and wave you thru.
happy trails.