Will I be taxed? And if so, what would be rough estimate (percent or flat rate) on the tax US customs would charge on an order from Lutel in CZ. It's been sometime since I've made an off-shore order, and would like an inkling of what to expect when the sword arrives.

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me!

That depends... When I ordered some Lutel swords with a friend, I had to go pick them up from British Airways airfreight, as my friend ordered a Big Mother Two-Handed Sword (BMTHS) and as a result they were shipped in a big wooden box. I had to go collect paperwork at BA and then go down to customs to get the items cleared and pay the duty before I could pick up the box. The duty was about $40 for two swords, a hand-and-a-half and the aforementioned BMTHS.

I seem to recall inquiring about this same question in advance of my shipment on this forum, and someone mentioning that his shipment showed up at his house without any customs complications of any kind (you could probably find the post here somewhere).

One more thing. If you do have to clear them through US customs, you'll have to declare them as something. I think I told them they were decorative metalwork or stage props or something. Just don't tell them they're weapons... ;)

Thanks for the info. Hopefully it will go off without a hitch! :D

Like Andrew, I'm in the San Francisco bay area. My experience with ordering direct from Lutel (on two occasions) did not cost me any additional taxes or costs. Further, and I'm not sure this is relevant, none of my other shipments from the Czech Republic (Patrick Barta, Arma Bohemia, etc.) have resulted in any additional costs.

I have ordered several times from Lutel over the years, and from another Czech outfit, Arma Bohemia. My orders have never resulted in any customs payments or complications. The most recent order was within the last 18 months or so and I'm in Central Ohio. Perhaps it all comes down to whether the package can be sent parcel based on size.

Ah, now I remember: it was Nathan who replied with pretty much the same answer as above. I'm pretty sure it was the size of the box that ended us up in customs. So you're probably OK, based on the accounts above.

i orderd the german #15024 sword in late novemeber .any one no how long it takes to get done. and any one have this sword and is it as well balaced as it looks ,or any thing to say about it good or bad i to live in the bay area S.J
thx
tseaton

Don't see a Seaton on their wait list.

Are you sure you sword has not already been sent to you?

waiting list on the cz site that one hasent been updated sence 11-5-8 is there another list couldent find one on the new site. i was told the wait is about 3 to 6 mouths ?
thx for the reply
tseaton

I believe Lutel uses their new shop site now and perhaps has left the old one alone: http://www.lutel.eu/