Overview

Following the imposition of U.S. ‘reciprocal’ tariffs and the recent removal of the $800 de minimis by presidential executive order, every US import now attracts duty and formal clearance. The rate set for UK>US imports is 10% plus handling.

We’ve introduced a $29 U.S. Import Administration Fee; a flat contribution toward those import costs. We prepay all charges so your parcel isn’t held for payment; if the actual costs are higher, we absorb the difference.

If you prefer to pay FedEx directly, just tell us before you pay the invoice and we’ll remove the fee and mark the shipment accordingly. Please note FedEx will then collect duty plus their handling fee and may hold the parcel until paid.

FAQ’s

Why am I seeing this fee ON MY INVOICE?

From August 2025, the U.S. government is removing the de minimis threshold of $800 and introducing ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on many imported goods. Every shipment to the U.S. now incurs customs duty and clearance charges, regardless of value. Our $29 U.S. Import Administration Fee helps cover part of these costs on your behalf.

What does the fee cover?

This flat $29 contribution goes toward:

• U.S. import duties (currently around 10% for our products)

• FedEx customs clearance and disbursement/advancement fees

• Our administrative costs to ensure smooth customs entry

The fee is less than our actual cost. We absorb the shortfall. The contribution towards these costs make supplying our U.S. customers commercially viable.

Does this mean you’re paying all the duty?

Yes – we prepay 100% of the import charges so your order clears customs without delay. The $29 fee is a contribution, not a pass-through of the exact duty. We always pay more than we charge.

Why is it a flat fee instead of a percentage?

While duty is calculated as a percentage of the shipment’s declared value, carrier clearance fees are fixed. A flat fee keeps things simple, avoids surprises, and reflects the fact that our admin and carrier costs are broadly the same across orders.

Will I owe anything on delivery if I pay the fee?

No. With the fee paid, all import charges are covered in advance. You will not be asked to pay FedEx or U.S. Customs on delivery.

Is this the same as shipping?

No. Shipping covers the cost of transporting your order from our workshop to your address. The U.S. Import Administration Fee covers border charges and compliance costs resulting from reciprocal tariffs and the end of the $800 de minimis.

Are you making a profit on this fee?

No – we make a loss. The $30 fee is set purely as the contribution needed to ensure we can keep supplying U.S. customers in a financially viable manner under the new rules.

Can I opt out of the U.S. Import Administration Fee?

Yes – but you must contact us before paying your invoice so we can remove the fee and mark your shipment accordingly.

If you opt out:

• FedEx will bill you directly on or before delivery for the duty plus their own handling/disbursement fee (often $15 or more).

• You may need to settle these charges before FedEx releases your shipment, which can delay delivery.

• The total cost is very likely higher than our flat $29 fee.

Will the fee change in future?

We will review the fee periodically. If U.S. duty rates, FedEx clearance fees, or regulations change significantly, we may adjust the amount to reflect our actual costs.

Why have you put quote marks around the word ‘reciprocal’?

Because we believe there is nothing reciprocal about the tariffs. The UK does not run a trade deficit with the US — indeed, figures produced by the UK’s Office for National Statistics and the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2023/2024 say the opposite. As such, we believe President Trump’s description of the tariffs as ‘reciprocal’ to be spurious. The tariffs are damaging to UK busineses and to US consumers who will pay higher prices for imported goods.