Overview

For many years, our US customers have benefited from the $800 de minimis exemption, which allowed most goods to enter the US tariff-free. From 29 August 2025, the US Administration is abolishing the $800 de minimis exemption. This means all goods entering the US will be subject to ‘reciprocal’ tariffs and clearance charges.

To simplify things, we’re introducing a Customs Handling Service. For a flat fee of $39*, we’ll cover all tariffs and clearance costs and take care of the paperwork on your behalf. Your order will clear customs smoothly, without delays or unexpected bills.

Because we believe most customers will save money and avoid hassle by using this service, it will be added to all invoices by default. However, if you’d prefer to handle customs directly with US authorities, just let us know and we’ll remove the fee. Please note that if you choose this option, you’ll be responsible for settling all duties, tariffs, and clearance charges yourself.

FAQ’s

Why am I seeing this fee ON MY INVOICE?

From August 2025, the US government is removing the de minimis threshold of $800 and introducing ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on most imported goods. All goods entering the US now incur customs duty and clearance charges regardless of value. To keep things straightforward, we’ve introduced a $39 service that covers all tariffs and clearance charges, which we handle entirely on your behalf. This avoids delays and surprise bills.

What does the service cover?

This $39 contribution goes toward:

  • US import duties (currently set at 10% for our products)

  • US customs clearance and disbursement/advancement fees

  • Our administrative costs to ensure smooth customs entry

This fee is less than our actual cost. We are absorbing the shortfall. Your contribution towards these costs ensures supplying our US customers remains 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 $39 fee is a contribution, not a pass-through of the exact duty. We pay US customs more than we charge you.

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 US Customs on delivery.

Is this the same as shipping?

No. Shipping is shown on your invoice as a separate line entry and covers the cost of transporting your order from our workshop to your address. The $39 US Customs Handling Service fee covers border charges and compliance costs resulting from ‘reciprocal’ tariffs and the end of the $800 de minimis.

How do high-value orders work ($1,500+)?

US Customs processing for higher-value shipments can differ from lower-value parcels, and carriers may require additional paperwork or security/bond arrangements. So, for orders with a declared customs value of $1,500, we’ll provide a tailored import quote (duty, taxes, and carrier brokerage) and can set up Delivered Duties Paid (DDP) on request. We’ll confirm this with you before you pay so you know exactly what to expect.

Are you making a profit on this service?

No – we make a loss. The $39 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. We’ve worked hard to find efficiency savings that we’ll use to make up any shortfall

Can I opt out of the ‘US Customs Handling Service’?

Yes, we are more than happy for you to do so, 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 import tariff and their own handling/disbursement fee.

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

  • The total cost is very likely higher than our flat $39 fee.

Will the cost of this service change in future?

We will review the price periodically. If US tariff rates, FedEx clearance fees, or regulations change significantly, we may adjust the amount to reflect our actual costs.

Why do you insisting on using quote marks around the word ‘reciprocal’?

Because we believe there is nothing reciprocal about the tariffs.

The US Administration’s stated goal is to address the trade deficits with other countries by imposing tariffs. The UK — a staunch friend and ally of America — does not run a trade deficit with the US. Indeed, figures from the UK’s Office for National Statistics and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2023/2024 indicate the opposite. As such, we consider the term ‘reciprocal’ to be disingenuous. These tariffs will damage UK businesses and increase the prices of imported goods for US consumers.

* The $39 fee covers orders up to a value of $1,500. Above this, we’ll provide a custom quote that more accurately reflects the tariffs and handling fees we’ll be absorbing.