We purchased ceramics in Italy and were told when purchasing the items that because they work "works of art", that they would be duty free if shipped to the US. The items were quality hand painted items and signed by the artist. After we received the items, we were sent a bill for duty owed on the purchase. Is the duty charge for the items proper?

Yes. If they weren't older than 100 yrs and added up to more than $400. I think the shop keeper also sold you a bill of goods as they say? It's always a crap shoot which packages will be opened and perused by customs (randomly) and which won't.

David,<BR><BR>Susanna hit it right on the button. What does "works of art" mean? <BR><BR>If you are talking about "antiques", by law the item must be at least 100 years old! I get a kick out of people who think something 20 or 30 or even 50 years old is "antique".<BR><BR>Dick

I thought "works of art" were duty free.

Again, what is a "work of art"? <BR><BR>If you are going to purchase items in Europe, or anywhere else for that matter, you should know what the heck you are buying. Reproductions are very common.<BR><BR>Caveat Emptor.<BR><BR>I collect "turn of the century" beer steins. I hate the word "antique" since it is so overused. I do not mean 20th Century. I was in Germany in late May and early June hoping to purchase some nice steins. The market is loaded with souvenier type steins that are made by the thousands and drop in value like a new car the minute you walk out the door.<BR><BR>My search in the "antique" shops provided grossly overpriced steins. I returned after three weeks with none. I knew what I was looking for.<BR><BR>Know your merchandise.

"Antiques" and "works of art" are two separate issues. If you don't want to pay duty on your ceramics, you must convince the authorities that they're Art, rather than just dishes. Perhaps the name and nature of the place where you bought them might support your case, if it was a crafts or art shop rather than kitchenware?