Possible to get duty refund after returning a ring to Japan?

[Logan Sapphire]

I purchased a beautiful ring from a Japanese seller on Ebay, but unfortunately I'm not keeping it. The seller shipped it via DHL, who paid the duty and then I paid DHL. Is it possible to get a refund of that duty since I'm returning the ring? DHL wasn't sure and I can't seem to get an answer from looking at CPB's website. It seems there's a thing called drawback, but it's unclear if that's for companies rather than individuals and CPB's customer service line is lacking!

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a refund on the duty since I'm returning the item?

 

[WinkHPD]

You will need to make an application and show documentation that incoming duty was paid. Then you will need to be persistent and always be polite to the person helping you.

I had a client send me a diamond for an upgrade that she originally bought from England before moving to another country. US customs charged her duty, even though the diamond was unmounted. It took her over a year to get her money back. It can be a real pain.

Talk with a customs professional who can tell you which forms to fill in etc.

Wink

 

[Logan Sapphire]

You will need to make an application and show documentation that incoming duty was paid. Then you will need to be persistent and always be polite to the person helping you.

I had a client send me a diamond for an upgrade that she originally bought from England before moving to another country. US customs charged her duty, even though the diamond was unmounted. It took her over a year to get her money back. It can be a real pain.

Talk with a customs professional who can tell you which forms to fill in etc.

Wink

Thanks! What a pain in the rear!

When you say customs professional, do you mean hire a broker? I have a feeling this will not be worth the couple hundred dollars...

 

[WinkHPD]

Actually, I should have said, call customs. They might be able to help you. Some of the people there are kind and helpful.

I have, by and large, had good conversations with them. I definitely do not always get what I want, but sometimes...

Wink

 

[new-beginning]

■ Rejected Merchandise: If merchandise is exported or destroyed because it does not conform with samples or specifications, or has been shipped without the consent of the consignee, or has been determined to be defective as of the time of importation, then 99 percent of the duties which were paid on the merchandise may be recovered as drawback. (Section 1313(c)) Drawback Centers::
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 5600 Pearl Street Rosemont, IL 60018
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2350 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77032
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 1100 Raymond, Suite 310 Newark, NJ 07102
U.S. Customs and Border Protection 555 Battery Street, Suite 109 San Francisco, CA 94126