Inquiry about import audio parts to the U.S.A

Hi Guys,I need your educated opinion preferably based on practical experience-I want to import a power transformer and a Aluminum chassis from India or China to the U.S.A for amplifier project and I'd like to know if there is some kind of customs/taxation on it and if so how is it calculated-much obliged in advance to learn from you all.Also if someone can recommend me on a good shipping company from India or China to the States at a reasonable price-It'll assist me a lot
 
Doubt there are any guarantees, but I understand that under $200 is usually duty free.
The seller is the proper one to determine the best shipping method, and they will give you a firm price.

In cases of damage or loss, it's better to deal with US sellers. Use your credit card so you have recourse.
 
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Are you sure that under $200 is duty free ? Regarding the shipping method-
in most cases you are right,but in my case the sellers are willing to be flexible

The $200 seems to be free, but you cannot be guaranteed of anything. Customs will charge what they think
is appropriate and you must pay it, there are many different kinds of charges. The foreign seller will always
know better than someone in a different country which methods of shipping are best. Be sure to consider
the possibility of damage or loss in shipment, this is common.

If you do not buy from a vendor who takes credit cards and ships with a firm prepaid shipping cost, there
may be unpleasant surprises of high costs (other than customs). If you think you can save money by
arranging the shipping yourself, that is likely wrong and could be expensive.
 
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My deepest gratitude to all of you ,but it's even more confusing as one claims there are no guarantees and other refers me to HTS which is so confusing(I couldn't find the code for power transformer and on the other hand it was written on the beginning that under $800 there are no duties ,but might be some other "strange" charges.The shipping will be through Fedex or DHL and although the transformer including shipping cost is around $100-I'm afraid of unexpected surprise ?! I'm scared of these cruel shipping companies that might make up some "mysterious" charges and then the whole issue will be inflated into excessive price demand and I'll have no choice ,but paying whatever they will charge me -what do you think ?! I was trying to find a shipping company that is willing to charge me door to door including all taxes/duties/customs, but with no success until, now !
 
Not trying to start any kind of political debate, but the first step is for 'us' to quit looking for the cheapest price. We can all say we don't, but we do it on the supposedly inconsequential things, sometimes under the illusion that a once proud brand name (since sold) still has value: a hammer, a garage door opener, a pack of screws, a microwave, a socket set, a chair, a fridge, a picture frame ....
And my point about power transformers also had to do with UL/CSA approval and the insurance ramifications if an accident occurred.