US Customer Update: Tariffs and De Minimus Removal

There have been Important changes affecting shipments from Australia to the United States that will impact US customers future orders.

Removal of De Minimus Rule

Effective on 29th August, the US has removed the de minimus rule for shipments from Australia, which excluded low value shipments of less than $800US from tariffs. This means that all packages, regardless of value, will now be subject to duties, tariffs, and processing fees when entering the United States. The duty rate for our products will be 10%, not including any fees. 

Who Pays?

Tariffs, duty and fees are generally paid by the importing customer at the point where the goods cross the border into the importing country. In the US, they are collected by Customs and Border Protection, at the time it passes through Customs Clearance. These costs are the liability of the purchaser and are not included in the purchase price of products at this stage. Failure to pay these fees may result in your package being returned or held indefinitely. We are unable to offer refunds due to failure to pay customs fees, or for delays in shipping. 

Current Shipping Limitations

An option for pre-payment of these fees at the time of purchase exists in DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) shipping options.

Unfortunately, Australia Post does not yet offer an option that would allow you to pay these duties and tariffs at the time of purchase, at this stage, we will keep you updated. We understand this creates an inconvenience and are actively investigating alternative shipping carriers that may provide this service. Please note that switching to alternative carriers may result in higher shipping costs.

Getting Shipping Quotes

Given these changes, we encourage you to contact us directly for specific shipping quotes before placing your order. This will help you better understand the total cost and choose the most suitable shipping option for your needs.

Expected Delays

Please be aware that shipments after August 29th may experience significant delays due to increased customs inspections as part of the new regulations.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience these changes may cause. This is a result of new US customs regulations beyond our control, and we are working diligently to find the best solutions for our US customers. As a small business, we simply cannot absorb these costs and remain viable.

If you have any questions or need assistance with shipping quotes, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team.

Thank you for your understanding and continued business.