Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 3/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering how to bring clothes From Brazil. I have a small business and I
would like to sell Brazilian clothes . How is the easiest way to bring , By mail,
fedex.... and avoid problems with the Customs

ANSWER: Depends on how much you are bringing in. Otherwise, you will have problems with customs and can be busted for smuggling. You can get away with it, perhaps, once or twice, but as a business means, I doubt it.

Sure you can bring in 20 shirts to sell at some beachfront store in Jersey if you want, but every month? You would need someone down here who is mailing you boxes all the time. Its possible. I dont see a problem. If you are looking at 100 s hirts, or even 20 items a week, forget it. One day you will get busted.

k

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My sister has a Manufacturing Industry in Brazil and sent me clothing . They
sent me about 72 pieces , it is held by  Customs . Do you know how much the
duty fee for textiles , like , polyester, viscose, elastane , polyamide , will be? I do
need to get that box. They require me an entry form.

Answer
Aha...so she did send it in a huge box and it is being held. that makes sense. As I told you, one day you would get busted. its just too much clothing. And I bet it all has the ticket price on them. Thats like contraband and is illegal. You will have to pay a duty fee on it. Let me look it up for you and will get back to you.