importing samples

[Jerry D Mead]

If your friends "Port of Entry" is either California or New York (I don't know the law for Washington state)there should be no problem, even without the importer's license. Both anyone to bring back "reasonable" quantities over and above the federal standard 1 liter or whatever. It is possible you might have to pay duty, but I never have, even when I fully declared what I'm bringing...as much as ten cases one trip.

When they ask value...say they are samples for your business, that were given to you, and you really don't know what to value them at. If they press, say "Oh! I guess they would retail at about $10 in the U.S. - making the f.o.b. half that.

At this point they should wave you on through...or they'll give you a duty chit to go pay...which wouldn't be that much anyhow.

Other states can be a problem...if you happen to enter through any of the Southern states you could be in real trouble.

Future reference...if returning from Australia or NZ and returning with wine...make sure to have non-stop return to mainland. If you "Port of Entry" in Hawaii they may confiscate your goods.

JDM