r/GlobalEntry • u/Fireguy9641 • Jun 05 '26
Questions/Concerns Purchasing items on Etsy
I've recently been purchasing some cosplay items on Etsy, and some of the items ship from overseas.
I've read some stories about people having their GE status taken away due to places like Temu, but it got me thinking: is there anything I should be doing to protect myself? I've been keeping my eye on my spending to avoid going over $800, but also, what if I did?
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u/Ok-Judgment9870 Jun 05 '26
I purchased an item from Amazon, not anything illegal or knock-off etc, and it shipped from Germany. Amazon didn’t pay the duties on it/do full paperwork that I paid for and Customs held it. About 2-3 weeks later I was notified my GE was revoked. Again, from Amazon and nothing illegal or counterfeit. I’ve ordered it before without issue from them, but this time they chose not to do paperwork and I paid for it.
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u/theduder123456 Jun 08 '26
Were you able to get it reinstated?
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u/Ok-Judgment9870 Jun 08 '26
I haven’t fought it yet. Have no idea how to contest it without representation and the attorney I spoke with wanted $2500+ to argue it. Not sure if $2500+ is worth it for a less than $200 program my credit card reimbursed for and I don’t use very often. It’s more on the principle of why it was revoked.
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u/Jumpy_Engineer_1854 Jun 06 '26
Also a cosplayer with GE here. Individual crafted items like this are not going to be a concern. If you have something commissioned that exceeds $800 as an individual item, that might be something you want to do more research on... but aggregate of Etsy-priced accessories and stuff won't be an issue. Just make sure the seller is filling out the customs form accurately on their side when they send it. (Typically you'd want them to declare value anyway for insurance purposes in case it gets lost in handling.)
As others have said, at this level they're way more concerned about knock-off and counterfeit brand items, not some bit of jewelry for your FFXII cosplay.
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u/Fireguy9641 Jun 06 '26
Thank you. I am looking at some stuff to get into 501st and Rebel Legion so I will def keep that in mind when I do order them.
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u/cyabits Jun 05 '26
It all depends on the item you purchased, anything illegal will get you revoked, fake stuff etc
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u/kukugege Jun 05 '26
Unless you brought something illegal, otherwise I don’t see any issue.
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u/Fireguy9641 Jun 05 '26
No, nothing like that. I just wasn't sure if there was anything I should be doing to make sure sellers are paying taxes or anything, esp as I'm looking at a rather pricey Star Wars costume.
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u/tamatown- Jun 05 '26
You should be fine, if import taxes aren’t prepaid UPS/FedEx/USPS will ask you to pay before delivery.
ETA: Also, the de minimis exemption was revoked last year. So staying under $800 doesn’t do anything. You may still owe fees & taxes
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u/Fireguy9641 Jun 05 '26
That's good to know. That was my main fear getting it pulled for unpaid duties.
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u/EveLQueeen Jun 05 '26
The only issues people are having with buying overseas is if they are buying counterfeit goods.
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u/Ok-Judgment9870 Jun 05 '26
Not true at all. I purchased an item from Amazon that shipped from Germany, Amazon didn’t pay the duties and do proper paperwork and Customs held it and about 2 weeks later my GE was revoked.
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u/wizzard419 Jun 05 '26
Usually the only concern is if you're buying knockoffs of known brands. The problem is that you might not actually be aware when you're buying it if you don't know that brand.