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I will be coming to St Thomas and am thinking about buying a Rolex Submariner S/S with Date. I am concerned about the amount of Duty I would pay after the $1600. exemption. Is it a set amount or a percentageof the remaining value? What can I expect to pay? My other inquires have told me any where from 1.5% to 26% which doesn"t seem right. Please help. Thanks
You could try calling them directly. Number for the Area Port Director is 340-774-2510.
Just wear it home 🙂
Pia
I am a regular USVI visitor and also a licensed customs broker. I found this ruling (below) in Customs database for a watch that sounds similar to the one you are interested in. Assuming it is the the same and still fits that tariff description, you would be looking at a rate of duty of $1.53 each plus 4.2 percent ad valorem on the case plus 9.8 percent ad valorem on the strap, band or bracelet.
Keep in mind the term case is specifically defined by US Customs: The term "cases" embraces inner and outer cases, containers and housings for movements, together with parts or pieces, such as, but not limited to, rings, feet, posts, bases and outer frames, and any auxiliary or incidental features, which (with appropriate movements) serve to complete the watch.
Hope this helps!
NY I85729
September 3, 2002
CLA-2-91:RR:NC:MM:114 I85729
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 9102.21.70
Mr. A. J. Bose 8 Calvert Lane Mount Holly, NJ 08060
RE: The tariff classification of a Rolex Submariner Watch
Dear Mr. Bose:
In your letter dated July 22, 2002, you requested a tariff classification ruling on the Rolex Submariner 16610. We returned your request for a classification ruling because additional information was required. In your letter dated August 18, 2002, additional information was supplied. A description of the watch was submitted with the ruling request.
The item for which you are requesting a classification ruling is identified in your letter as the Rolex Submariner Watch, model 16610. Based on the description provided, the watch has a mechanical movement with 31 jewels in the movement. The watch features automatic winding and a stainless steel case and bracelet. You have indicated in your letter that the watch is for personal use and not intended for resale.
The applicable subheading for the Rolex Submariner 16610 will be 9102.21.70, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), which provides for wrist watches, pocket watches and other watches, including stop watches, other than those of heading 9101; other wrist watches, whether or not incorporating a stop watch facility; with automatic winding; having over 17 jewels in the movement; with strap, band or bracelet of textile material or of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated. The rate of duty will be $1.53 each plus 4.2 percent ad valorem on the case plus 9.8 percent ad valorem on the strap, band or bracelet.
This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177).
A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, contact National Import Specialist Barbara Kiefer at 646-733-3019.
Sincerely,
Robert B. Swierupski Director, National Commodity Specialist Division
The official retailer of Rolex in St. Thomas is AH Riise. Have you tried contacting them and getting information? They must (or should) know since they sell them. Here is their webpage http://www.ahriise.com/Rolex.html.
There is a booklet on this topic that I've seen at the airport from time to time... I pulled it up online but its dated 2006 so not sure its the most current version, but its worth a look: its the Know Before You Go (CBP Publication No. 0000-0512).
