Talleyho69 wrote:
Boy, that's a tough one.
Legally, anything you take to the US for the purpose of reselling has to be declared and duty charged. That's what a customs broker will do for you.
Small quantities??? Depends. We have taken back items to sell on eBay. We make a point of having them well wrapped, and put away in the basement, closet, or just out of sight, but not "hidden." We have been careful not to have TOO much-stopped at 8 catrinas, we could pass them off as family gifts. Stopped at 80 yards of 8 kinds of Day of the Dead fabric, for sewing and quilting projects. That kind of thing. No cases of identical items.
Our license plate has a very long history of crossing the border, 36 years worth. It shows that we have never had an issue or attempted to enter with anything we shouldn't. That certainly helps. We also try not to use crossings where you are guaranteed to have to go to secondary in an RV like Tijuana and Nogales. It's just less wear and tear on ourselves, no matter what we are bringing back.
We haven't been questioned about any of our purchases, ever.
Thanks Talleyho,
I did check into the duty and there is a general exception for art/craft/handmade items that allows you to cross with up to $2000 worth and pay no duty. If I recall the duty on anything over $2000 was 15% or 20%.
We would be be bringing back a mix of items. Mostly small stuff.
I love the idea of going places like Oaxaca and connecting directly with the artisans. I think having pictures and stories about the artists involved brings an additional "flavor" to this sort of item.
Thanks for the tips on the border crossings. Those happen to be the only two crossings that I have driven across. What would be your preferred crossings?
Thanks again.
S.
