p.1 #1 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Per a July 30th executive order all de-minimis exemptions for all U.S. imports from all countries ends on August 29th, 2025. This is an effort to stop those that import goods of greater value, or drugs and declare a low value so that the item is not inspected.
This exemption has allowed U.S. customers to buy overseas items of a declared value of less than $800 without paying tariffs and other fees.. I think that this value includes shipping and taxes.. but not sure. Maybe someone can clarify this point.
So, if you are looking to buy a sub $800 whatever and you live in the U.S., the clock is ticking.
p.1 #3 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Braindrain232 wrote:
The $800 de minimis exemption has always been viewed as generous. I was certainly jealous of it, since Canada has piddling exemption amounts.
I agree Canada's $20 is humorous, but since July 2020 it was increased (slightly) if imports are from the US or Mexico AND via commercial courier (rather than mail):
Imported from any country (other than the US and Mexico):
Up to $20: duty and tax free
Above $20: duties and taxes apply, excluding the US and Mexico
Imported from the US and Mexico:
Up to $40: duty and tax free
Above $40 to $150: duty free, but taxes still apply
Above $150: duties and taxes apply
p.1 #4 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Of course, no idea what the future holds. I just purchased a couple of 645 Fuji rangefinders from Japan using two separate transactions where both were less than $800. The bottom line is if you are thinking of such a purchase, maybe best to do it now, before tariffs and fees kick in.
p.1 #5 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
bwcolor wrote:
Of course, no idea what the future holds. I just purchased a couple of 645 Fuji rangefinders from Japan using two separate transactions where both were less than $800. The bottom line is if you are thinking of such a purchase, maybe best to do it now, before tariffs and fees kick in.
In case you didn't know, the $800 threshold was per day, not per item. If the two were less than $800, but more together, and came in on the same day, you'd be charged as if they were one. Not that it matters now, I suppose.
p.1 #7 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
An important detail - the minimum tariffs per item
$80 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate below 16%.
$160 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate between 16% and 25% (inclusive).
$200 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate above 25%
If enforced this kills the US market for all East Asia shopping platforms. Truly idiotic to have a minimum flat rate per item.
p.1 #8 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
GroovyGeek wrote:
An important detail - the minimum tariffs per item
$80 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate below 16%.
$160 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate between 16% and 25% (inclusive).
$200 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate above 25%
If enforced this kills the US market for all East Asia shopping platforms. Truly idiotic to have a minimum flat rate per item.
This probably has been posted somewhere, but there is no way that this will be enacted.
p.1 #9 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Will all this REALLY affect how we buy our equipment long term? Or even short term? I am a senior citizen on a very fixed income. My 401K has been very steady since 2009 with NO financial distributions...I am extremely conservative with "my money".About 10% per year.
I would rather see a consistent growth then a "1000 hertz waveform."
If Canon comes out with a new mirrorless with hi mpx, I will be buying. Regardless..Yes it may be more but it is part of the capitalist mentality. I am for it.
I have already ordered/bought a new computer and actually the price has gone down since my initial quote(Puget Systems).
Dan
p.1 #10 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
I just had a roll of. Olof 120 negative film processed today. I’ve bden paying $6.50 for develop only. Now it is $10 because of tariffs on the Japanese chemicals they use.
This lab has always been a bit high on film prices compared to the one other local source, so I imagine they might have padded the price increase some. But they are the only place here in Honolulu who do film in an hour.
p.1 #11 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
bwcolor wrote:
This probably has been posted somewhere, but there is no way that this will be enacted.
The TACO trade works until it does not... The man has clearly had success around his narrative so far. Temporary or not, it has emboldened him. Witness the 15% "reverse tariffs" on AMD and Nvidia in China.
p.1 #12 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Danpbphoto wrote:
Will all this REALLY affect how we buy our equipment long term? Or even short term? I am a senior citizen on a very fixed income. My 401K has been very steady since 2009 with NO financial distributions...I am extremely conservative with "my money".About 10% per year.
I would rather see a consistent growth then a "1000 hertz waveform."
If Canon comes out with a new mirrorless with hi mpx, I will be buying. Regardless..Yes it may be more but it is part of the capitalist mentality. I am for it.
I have already ordered/bought a new computer and actually the price has gone down since my initial quote(Puget Systems).
Dan...Show more →
Received a message from Canada Post. Don't know or if it applies to Canadian dealers only of it includes individuals selling used gear. The part on prepaid duties may be too much of a hassle for some to bother shipping to the US.
"Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery.
After this date, Canada Post will only accept U.S.-bound label requests that include a valid Declaration ID - a 13-character code that confirms duties are secured before the shipment is accepted."
p.1 #13 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
burningheart wrote:
Received a message from Canada Post. Don't know or if it applies to Canadian dealers only of it includes individuals selling used gear. The part on prepaid duties may be too much of a hassle for some to bother shipping to the US.
"Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery.
After this date, Canada Post will only accept U.S.-bound label requests that include a valid Declaration ID - a 13-character code that confirms duties are secured before the shipment is accepted."...Show more →
But "will this affect how you buy or sell, via receiving/sending goods, in the long run"?
I just returned from the USPS to mail some magazines to my brother who lives on Vinalhaven Is, Maine USA. Only accessible by a ferry or private boat.
Until 5 years ago, the island is so small that there are street names but no addresses for the houses there.
You just put "Water Street" and he got it. NOW not only do you have to have a house number but ALSO a PO Box number!
In the US the Post Office is an abject failure as a business. Both under govt and private control it looses mucho money every year despite subsidies.
US stamps are nearing $1! That is a tad ridiculous IMHO!
I know this is "OT" but it is still infuriating to the consumer!
I am hoping some entrepreneur, like UPS/FedX did, will invent some other way of "mailing/shipping" items with the "govt aspect" removed from the equation.
p.1 #14 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Danpbphoto wrote:
But "will this affect how you buy or sell, via receiving/sending goods, in the long run"?
I just returned from the USPS to mail some magazines to my brother who lives on Vinalhaven Is, Maine USA. Only accessible by a ferry or private boat.
Until 5 years ago, the island is so small that there are street names but no addresses for the houses there.
You just put "Water Street" and he got it. NOW not only do you have to have a house number but ALSO a PO Box number!
In the US the Post Office is an abject failure as a business. Both under govt and private control it looses mucho money every year despite subsidies.
US stamps are nearing $1! That is a tad ridiculous IMHO!
I know this is "OT" but it is still infuriating to the consumer!
I am hoping some entrepreneur, like UPS/FedX did, will invent some other way of "mailing/shipping" items with the "govt aspect" removed from the equation.
p.1 #15 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
gdanmitchell wrote: Danpbphoto wrote:
But "will this affect how you buy or sell, via receiving/sending goods, in the long run"?
I just returned from the USPS to mail some magazines to my brother who lives on Vinalhaven Is, Maine USA. Only accessible by a ferry or private boat.
Until 5 years ago, the island is so small that there are street names but no addresses for the houses there.
You just put "Water Street" and he got it. NOW not only do you have to have a house number but ALSO a PO Box number!
In the US the Post Office is an abject failure as a style="display:none;"> business. Both under govt and private control it looses mucho money every year despite subsidies.
US stamps are nearing $1! That is a tad ridiculous IMHO!
I know this is "OT" but it is still infuriating to the consumer!
I am hoping some entrepreneur, like UPS/FedX did, will invent some other way of "mailing/shipping" items with the "govt aspect" removed from the equation.
How much does it cost you to mail a letter via UPS/Fedex? A post card?
Can you walk to a nearby UPS/FedEx “mail box” and drop your letter into it with no prior arrangement of filling out forms? [/quote
Hence the rest of my post Dan.. I am hoping some entrepreneur, like UPS/FedX did, will invent some other way of "mailing/shipping" items with the "govt aspect" removed from the equation.
Dan2
p.1 #16 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
GroovyGeek wrote:
An important detail - the minimum tariffs per item
$80 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate below 16%.
$160 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate between 16% and 25% (inclusive).
$200 per item for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate above 25%
If enforced this kills the US market for all East Asia shopping platforms. Truly idiotic to have a minimum flat rate per item.
burningheart wrote:
Received a message from Canada Post. Don't know or if it applies to Canadian dealers only of it includes individuals selling used gear. The part on prepaid duties may be too much of a hassle for some to bother shipping to the US.
"Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery.
After this date, Canada Post will only accept U.S.-bound label requests that include a valid Declaration ID - a 13-character code that confirms duties are secured before the shipment is accepted."...Show more →
I have a bag in transit from Japan and I hope it comes next week so not to be affected by the de minimis suspension.
Looks like the official language has changed recently and now the carrier can choose (?) to charge either the $80-$200 flat fee or 15% of the claimed value for the first 6 months... something like that. 😑
And apparently the seller can (should?) collect the duty. This is how a retail company that ships from South Korea to the U.S. does it:
p.1 #18 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Danpbphoto wrote:
But "will this affect how you buy or sell, via receiving/sending goods, in the long run"?
I just returned from the USPS to mail some magazines to my brother who lives on Vinalhaven Is, Maine USA. Only accessible by a ferry or private boat.
Until 5 years ago, the island is so small that there are street names but no addresses for the houses there.
You just put "Water Street" and he got it. NOW not only do you have to have a house number but ALSO a PO Box number!
In the US the Post Office is an abject failure as a business. Both under govt and private control it looses mucho money every year despite subsidies.
US stamps are nearing $1! That is a tad ridiculous IMHO!
I know this is "OT" but it is still infuriating to the consumer!
I am hoping some entrepreneur, like UPS/FedX did, will invent some other way of "mailing/shipping" items with the "govt aspect" removed from the equation.
In Canada when the package reaches Canada Post they do all the paperwork for duties and taxes assuming the item is dutiable. Once that is all done I as the consumer then pays Canada Post upon delivery or pick-up. Though they do charge us a $9.95 fee for them doing the paperwork. The only thing the seller outside Canada needs to do is fill-in a form declaring, contents and value.
I think some not all individual sellers outside the US, will stop selling to Americans if they need to do the paperwork, make duty payment to US Customs. Businesses outside the US that wish to sell to American's will follow the new procedures but some individuals sellers to them may not be worth the effort thus less sellers, selling to the US market.
Time will tell if it is a big or small impact for American consumers.
p.1 #19 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
burningheart wrote:
Received a message from Canada Post. Don't know or if it applies to Canadian dealers only of it includes individuals selling used gear. The part on prepaid duties may be too much of a hassle for some to bother shipping to the US.
"Starting August 29, 2025, every package shipped from Canada to the U.S. must show proof that duties have been prepaid before the shipment can be accepted for delivery.
After this date, Canada Post will only accept U.S.-bound label requests that include a valid Declaration ID - a 13-character code that confirms duties are secured before the shipment is accepted."...Show more →
I can see a few reasons why duty/tariff collection has been forced onto the sender rather the conventional method of the receiver paying it:
- US Customs/USPS have limited manpower to process this on receipt, which would cause significant backlogs. This forces additional 'friction' on the seller that they have no choice but to take on if they wish to sell to the US market. Meanwhile it removes friction for the buyer (not having to deal with an additional step of duty/tariff payment on receipt). This reminds me of US Customs/Immigration pre-clearance at major Canadian airports so that arrivals can more easily streamline into domestic routing. I guess a similar concept works for mail. Whether this will actually discourage shipment of illicit substances (apparently one of the reasons for the removal of de minimus)... bad actors can still make false declarations. It's still up to the US government to screen incoming parcels.
- US market is huge and US gov can force this on the rest of the world if people want to continue doing business with US customers. If foreign vendors drop out of the US market, this would play into US gov strategy by potentially encouraging a domestic US vendor/manufacturer solution to fill market demand.
- Minimizes buyer's shock/remorse on arrival of goods. Buyer paid the tariff at time of order and won't receive a second bill on arrival, which would likely create a bad reminder about current US government policy and reinforce a negative opinion about the government/leadership.
Duty/taxes prepayment isn't unique. As a Canadian consumer buying from the US, I've been able to prepay duty and HST (VAT) at time of purchase with certain US vendors, such as B&H. This vastly reduces friction at time of delivery because the parcel is simply delivered by the courier, rather than having to deal with the courier between time of order and delivery to pay duty/tax and their handling fee(s). This also removes potentially incorrect 'interpretations' of applicable duty made by the courier when they clear a parcel through customs on your behalf. You've paid it upfront and if you don't agree with the duty rate, you clear it up with the vendor before the order is processed, rather than having to deal with the courier while your order sits in limbo at their warehouse.
p.1 #20 · August 29th Tarriffs on All Imports to U.S. Regardless of Value
Canadian shippers now have to pay all duties, taxes, tariffs, remittance fees, bond fees, processing fees, and other fees up front before Canada Post will accept parcels destined for the USA.
Needless to say, I won't be shipping anything to the USA for the foreseeable future.
