When purchasing from outside the US, import charges including tariffs, duties, and customs taxes may apply depending on the destination country and the item being delivered. Buyers are responsible for paying import fees, usually as part of clearing their parcel through customs or when they receive their item.
These fees are typically based on:
- The item’s value
- The item’s country of origin (not just where it’s shipped from)
- Local tax rates and customs policies
- Any applicable tariffs or trade restrictions
Some countries offer a de minimis threshold, which allows lower-value items to enter without duties or taxes. For example, the US allows most shipments under $800 to enter duty-free, but this exemption may not apply to goods made in China or flagged for additional review.
Important 2025 Updates:
- Goods originating from China may be subject to significantly higher tariffs.
- For shipments from the U.S. to Canada, import duties can vary widely depending on the product category. Sometimes, total charges (duty + GST/HST + handling) may exceed 35–40% of the item value.
While many shipments still clear customs with minimal fees, we strongly recommend checking your country’s import rules in advance.
Here are a few resources you can use to estimate potential import fees:
- SimplyDuty Import Duty Calculator
- Visit your local customs agency’s website for the most accurate information.
If you complete your purchase and experience an unexpected import charge, let us know—we’re happy to help troubleshoot.