Europe to USA shipping: Delays and duty?

[Duane Hess]

I have orered from Europe a fair number of times. Never paid any customs. The customs forms were marked by sellers as "gift" or retail sales (via various different terms). In no case did I end up paying any customs fees. Peronsally I have no idea why.

Recently (i.e. this year and last) items have stayed in the exporting customs 1-4 days. Once here in USA it seems recent minimum retention times weres 3 days and up to 7-10 days.