Make sure the seller writes the country of origin on the shipping paperwork. The customs officers do not know the country of origin of countless pieces of audio equipment (not to mention all the other items that come into the U.S.A. every day). Do not rely on the carrier to supply the missing information about country of origin. To the contrary, the carrier will typically pay whatever customs says is due and present you with the bill. Unless you live near the point of entry , you'll have no other practical choice than pay up even it the duty is incorrectly charged. In fact, I'm not sure you can appeal the duty once the shipper has signed off, even if you're willing to expend the time and effort to fight it.
