RG's and tariffs

[Major Tom]

I'm going to be in Japan soon for a visit with the inlaws and I'd like to buy a couple (at least one) J custom RG8470. Has anyone gone through the declaration/import process before? Just wondering how its handled coming back into the states. I've never been over my declaration limit before.
thanks
MT

[GAZ]

I'm from the UK but sure it's similar for most. You buy the guitar without the Japanese rate of tax added, but then you pay import duty and tax at your country's rate when you declare it at customs. For the UK this is between 20 and 25% of the cost of the guitar.

G.

[leppermessiah]

I never declare guitars when i go through customs and i'm never asked.

Perhaps you culd just feign ignorance? Also lenty of people take instruments on holiday with them or overseas for shows. Who's to say you didn't do the same?

Maybe because i have resident status in Japan different rules apply.

[leppermessiah]

Also, my mother was bought an Obi by my wifes parents. It cost around 200,00 yen and she paid no duties.
May be worth checking to see if you are required to pay duties on gifts. I have no idea, but if not then you have another option.