Lead Adventure Forum
Other Stuff => General Wargames and Hobby Discussion => Topic started by: JonGZG on August 09, 2025, 10:56:43 AM
-
As the previous thread on this topic has now been locked to prevent it descending into a political squabble, I just wondered if anyone else had managed to find out any further information on the removal of the De Minimis exemption for small shipments to the US, effective from the 29th August?
I can find very little info (maybe my Google-Fu is just weak today...?), and nothing on how the USPS is going to handle the situation - all I've been able to find is that they (the Postal Services) appear to have two options for collecting the money - one bad, the other worse - but nothing on which one they are going to apply.
Jon (GZG)
-
I'm curious about this myself but have not heard anything. Guess we will have to grin and bear it.
-
So, I just sold a bunch of guitar pedals - and most ended up going to the US. I was curious what would happen. They all went through, cleared by customs, no fees. Average price of a pedal around $150-200. Seems the postal service isn’t being fussy?
All items entered the US after 1 August.
-
So, I just sold a bunch of guitar pedals - and most ended up going to the US. I was curious what would happen. They all went through, cleared by customs, no fees. Average price of a pedal around $150-200. Seems the postal service isn’t being fussy?
All items entered the US after 1 August.
The deadline is the 29th August, not the 1st.... anything arriving in the US before the 29th should be fine (old rules apply), anything arriving AFTER the 29th will have the new rules applied... problem is, I can't find out anywhere what the new rules are going to be... >:(
Jon (GZG)
EDIT: Sorry, just noticed that you are in Canada, so you might have been expecting the items to have been stopped and charged anyway as the De Minimis exemption from Canada (and Mexico) was suspended back in February - although only on "certain items" according to one of the few articles I found on the subject. Good to know that yours all got through without problems!
-
Some of the only relevant stuff I've read so far is this:
"
Executive orders signed in February 2025 suspended the use of de minimis on certain imports from Canada and Mexico and imports of all goods of Chinese origin.
Now, an Executive Order dated 30 July, suspends this duty-free de minimis treatment on all goods imported into the US regardless of origin, effective from 29 August 2025.
The order states that the de minimis exemption will no longer apply ‘regardless of value, country of origin, mode of transportation or method of entry’ meaning all shipments will be subject to ‘all applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions and charges’.
Entry for all shipments that previously qualified for the de minimis exemption will need to be filed using the appropriate full declaration entry type into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the US Electronic Customs Declaration System. This will require additional data elements to be declared to US Customs over and above what users of ‘de minimis’ have been used to if they used the simplified customs labels on parcels.
Separate arrangements will be put in place for shipments sent through the international postal network until such time as the US Customs and Border Protection agency establishes a new entry process. "
It is that last line that is utterly vague, but also very important: what will these "separate arrangements" be....?
Jon (GZG)
-
Well you're assuming anyone in charge over there actually knows what the rules are going to be? Or whether they'll use a flat fee or percentage system (they appear to have an option for both), or just use whatever makes the most money. I think there is still a legal challenge going through the US courts and trade agreements to be finalised, which could give some countries a better deal here and there (except for the UK who's moron-in-charge appears incapable of sorting anything out).
One complaint that the US customs had was that the old de minimis rules allowed for an extremely vague list of contents so they'll likely want a very detailed list (among other things).
You don't think the US saw the EU 'resonsible person' rules and thought it was a great idea, do you?
-
So, given that (as usual) no-one seems to know what the heck is going on, what are other manufacturers/sellers thinking of doing about this - just waiting to see what happens...?
Are people still shipping to the US and hoping for the best?
Jon.
-
and locked in 5, 4, 3...
Precisely what I was trying to AVOID in starting this new thread on the topic!
Looking to discuss the ramifications of the new rules (once anyone can actually find out what they are, of course) to both US customers and non-US suppliers....
Jon.
-
ok... so where the hell is my post? I mean come on... I was playfully pointing out that it was getting political again and I get nuked?
-
ok... so where the hell is my post? I mean come on... I was playfully pointing out that it was getting political again and I get nuked?
(https://i.imgur.com/jzJ8uQK.jpeg)
-
lol
-
Without getting political (if that is possible these days), this flurry of new laws and executive orders has been accompanied with large-scale downsizing and even wholesale elimination of entire offices of government here. That means in some instances there are only a handful of staff left to figure out how to implement these orders. All I can say is to expect confusion and inconsistency.
-
and expect a lot of mind changing. The implantation of tariffs on Chinese imports has been postponed for yet another 90 days. Who knows how Europe and the UK will be affected in 90 days.
I think the best hope for small miniatures makers is to find transatlantic partners to make licensed work within the market they sell to. It will take time to establish, but i don’t see any hope of the ending of trade chaos for 3 years.
-
“Important information about changes to the export of goods to the USA from the UK.
As you may be aware, on 30 July, the United States Government announced an Executive Order which outlines changes to customs obligations and processes for goods being imported into the USA.
These changes affect all customers and carriers who export goods to the USA and are expected to become effective on 29 August 2025.
Key points of the US Executive Order
• Currently, low-value goods and gifts can enter the USA from other countries ‘duty-free’ because of a ‘de minimis’ duties threshold of US$800. The changes mean goods entering the USA from any country, from 29 August 2025 will be subject to tariffs (duties) payable to US customs.
• For goods shipped via the international postal system, the executive order indicates customs duties will be calculated using the value of the item and the prevailing country-based tariff for the item’s country of origin (origin of manufacture, not origin of shipment).
• The customs duties on items need to be paid to US Customs before those items enter the USA. US authorities will not accept items without duties paid on them.
What does this mean for UK customers exporting goods to the USA?
If you only send personal correspondence to the USA, you are not affected by these changes and can continue to send these items to the USA, without a customs declaration.
If you ship goods to the USA and currently complete a customs declaration, we understand the following changes will apply on 29 August 2025:
• The duty-free threshold (‘de minimis’) of $800 will be removed and replaced by tariffs (duties).
• Senders in the UK will have to calculate, collect (or account for) duties at the point of sale. The duties are payable to US Customs in advance of items entering the USA.
• We understand required duties for UK postal shipments will be based on an item’s value and the country-based tariff (country of manufacture rather than country
of shipping).
What can customers do now to prepare for these changes?
From 29 August customs duties need to be paid for export items travelling to the USA. To continue to export goods to the USA, you will need to:
• Consider how to calculate the duty/duties payable on each item. You may want to consider doing this by integrating a ‘landed cost calculator’ at your online checkout to calculate ‘landed cost’ (taxes and duties). Landed cost calculators can also collect those taxes and duties.
• Decide how you will account for these duties with your customers (e.g. you can choose to pass the cost of duties on to your customers or absorb it).
• Capture essential electronic product data at item level (much of which is already a requirement) including:
o Country of Origin
o Value of goods/product costs
o HS codes
How will Royal Mail support customers with these changes?
Royal Mail is working closely with US authorities and international partners to manage the impact of these changes which will affect everyone who sends goods to the USA.
• To enable you to continue to export goods to the USA, Royal Mail will introduce a PDDP (Postal Delivered Duties Paid) service for account customers to use when exporting to the USA.
• This is an extension of Royal Mail PDDP services, which are currently in use to some EU destinations which will allow continued ‘postal clearance’ into the USA with the same labelling, tracking and customer notifications. This will replace existing services and support compliance with the new requirements.
• Our shipping platforms will be updated to capture necessary data to comply with the new requirements (much of which you already provide).
• We will make the codes for the replacement USA PDDP service available to US export customer account/s before the customs changes come into effect. Please see the table below for further information:
Current Royal Mail US export service
(parcel or large letter format) USA PDDP service code PDDP weight limit
Standard/Untracked DE6 Up to 2kg
Tracked MPR Up to 30kg
Tracked Heavier MPR Up to 30kg
Tracked & Signed MTV Up to 2kg/5kg printed papers
To find out more information
Customers can continue to use existing Royal Mail and Parcelforce services to the USA at the moment as these changes are due to take effect from 29 August 2025.
For more information about getting ready for these changes, please visit royalmail.com/usabusinessupdates where we’ll provide further information to help customers navigate these changes in shipping goods to the USA.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Irwin
Director of Export
Royal Mail & Parcelforce”
-
ok... so where the hell is my post? I mean come on... I was playfully pointing out that it was getting political again and I get nuked?
I took out the posts before that which were detouring, and, since there was no urgent reason to lock it after that, included your countdown. ;)
I would really appreciate if we could handle this without all the tiresome politicking.
-
“Important information about changes to the export of goods to the USA from the UK.
As you may be aware, on 30 July, ....
<BIG SNIP>
Michael Irwin
Director of Export
Royal Mail & Parcelforce”
Thanks for that - is it from the Royal Mail website?
Jon.
-
This spring and summer as a US consumer, I have embraced what our German friends call "Hamsterkauf" — horde-buying like a hamster! I've worked out what all I'm likely to need for planned projects from outside suppliers from now through 2026 and stuffed my hamster cheeks.
: 3
When the de minimus change was announced, I did a final flurry of EBay purchases from the UK. Those are all in transit now, and should safely clear customs in New York well before the 29th. (How long they actually take to get here is always a dice roll: when any package gets to the Boston USPS Distribution Center — odds are pretty good it will get distributed to my city's post office 15 miles away, but always a chance they will punt it anywhere in Eastern Mass or even up to Nashua New Hampshire and then the game of sports parcel is on to see who gets the volley next...)
Last week, I put in an order with Badger Games here in the US for a variety of imported goods before they might have to raise their prices.
Chaos and confusion may well delay or stop the change, but whatever happens prices ain't going down any time soon. So it won't hurt building the mountain higher now.
My whisky cellar is quite well stocked now too.
-
So manufacturers in the UK and EU will need to collect the duty prior to shipping?
I suspect that we will see a few stores stopping sales to the US until this gets figured out.
-
So manufacturers in the UK and EU will need to collect the duty prior to shipping?
I suspect that we will see a few stores stopping sales to the US until this gets figured out.
That’s what I read from the Royal Mail summary.
And I agree - why would anyone do the work of US duty collection?
Glad I cleared out the stuff that I usually sell to the US prior to this.
So much winning. So, so much winning.
-
The Memsahib, who is into collecting 1/12 miniatures (aka "Doll's House" stuff), tells me that several small UK manufacturers/suppliers in that field have announced that they are stopping all shipping of orders to the US, at least until this all shakes out and we see what is really happening. I think we'll most likely see the same here.
The sad fact is (and this is NOT a political comment!!!) no-one, absolutely no-one, in a position of authority or government ANYWHERE in the world actually cares (or even thinks) about tiny numbers of individual traders supplying tiny (relatively, in their terms of reference) numbers of buyers in geeky little specialist hobbies. We don't even show as a blip on their radar. They're not out to get us, all their policies are set for much, much bigger reasons, and we just get caught in the blastwave.... :(
Jon.
-
I think it’s time for me to buy a spin caster.
-
Thanks for that - is it from the Royal Mail website?
Jon.
An email to someone who has an account with them (not me).
-
Time for US customers to develop a personal friendship with the owners of UK small companies - this will then be 'personal correspondence' between two individuals and not a trade agreement at all, no sir! lol
-
Wargames Atlantic have done something of that sort. Partnerships with exchanged masters and molds for licensed production across the ocean.
-
And I agree - why would anyone do the work of US duty collection?
Well there is also the vexing 'how to collect US duty' question that needs to be answered. This is what I think is going to cause shipping stoppages as companies won't want to collect something until they know exactly how to pay it.
How is the duty status going to be displayed on a parcel?
So many questions remain unanswered.
-
Time for US customers to develop a personal friendship with the owners of UK small companies - this will then be 'personal correspondence' between two individuals and not a trade agreement at all, no sir! lol
Countries are relentless about postal duties and this is a sure fire way to get a company shut down due to fines.
-
Countries are relentless about postal duties and this is a sure fire way to get a company shut down due to fines.
I did mean this as a joke, at no point have I advocated the breaking of any national or international laws, nor did I intend any company or individual associated with a company to view this comment as instruction on how to circumvent postal laws. My solicitors details are available on request.
-
There's always this.....
-
There's always this.....
You’ll still have to work out the country of origin of all those sub parts lol
Andrew
BeneathALeadMountain
-
An email to someone who has an account with them (not me).
Thanks James - I finally found the same (or very similar) on the RM website, here if anyone wants to read it....
https://www.royalmail.com/usabusinessupdates
I guess the key to this will be how simple they make the whole thing for the small business user. The info given seems to suggest that there will be a system for RM to collect the taxes at the point that the postage is purchased (for several years now I've been buying all my postage online anyway, though as a "personal" rather than a business customer - guess this may be the time to upgrade to a business account...).
If the system can be made relatively painless in terms of additonal information and paperwork, then MAYBE it will work... time will tell, I suppose.
A supplementary question - what do other manufacturers (of metal figures) use as the HS code for describing their products? I've never been able to find anything that EXACTLY describes metal collectable figures, game figures, "toy soldiers" or similar - the one I've used for years is 95030085, which is technically for die-cast metal toys - which I've always figured was about close enough, and I've never had it queried by anyone.
If anybody has any better suggestions, I'd love to know? These things will become much more important as the new systems are introduced...
Jon.
-
Great, another deep dive into the hell that is trying to set up a royal mail business account only for them to get bored and stop responding.
It's also very unclear how this will work for individuals as the definition of "personal correspondence" is very broad and not at all defined. If personal parcels (I'm talking actual gifts, not "gifts") are impacted then I can't see a system in which is isn't a huge hassle.
The advice given from royal mail, like the EU advice a few months ago, once again makes the assumption that every business is a big affair with its own IT department and access to its own retail back end. saying "you should implement this on your webstore" is great, but useless for the vast majority of small business webstores that run on pre built platforms and have a super limited toolset when it comes to back end payment processing. Arguably royal mail have made more effort this time to actually put some information out into the world, unlike the EU thing which boiled down to a shrug and a "dunno mate".
I can only hope that in a few weeks something shiny causes everyone involved to get distracted and drop the whole thing.
-
Despite my joking around, I am personally aware of at least a couple of companies that have used the 'gift' system as personal correspondence between a member of staff and a customer to deliver small orders and have done for several years on international orders. I'm not advocating it as a way to do business but it is being done.
-
I'm not advocating it as a way to do business but it is being done.
There is a game company in the US that does this as well and my fear is that they will get caught at some point. And I don't think they are large enough to survive the repercussions.
-
There is a game company in the US that does this as well and my fear is that they will get caught at some point. And I don't think they are large enough to survive the repercussions.
Well, I don't really know about that - on the one hand it is breaking the rules and depriving the country of a small amount of income, on the other hand is it really worth going after a company for relatively tiny sums?
Some years ago I bought some large orders from a US company who, like many US companies at the time, couldn't be bothered to deal with UK VAT and import duties - I had to pay for them once they got to HMRC/UK Post Office as well as a hefty charge on top. I'm wondering if companies in other countries might start doing the same with US customers rather than sort it out beforehand.
-
Well, I don't really know about that - on the one hand it is breaking the rules and depriving the country of a small amount of income, on the other hand is it really worth going after a company for relatively tiny sums?
I don't know that I would take that risk. And most enforcement of this sort of thing appears to be for small companies. A friend in Vancouver went through a GST (Canadian national sales tax) audit and then went through years of invoices to find a small handful of issues.
Some years ago I bought some large orders from a US company who, like many US companies at the time, couldn't be bothered to deal with UK VAT and import duties - I had to pay for them once they got to HMRC/UK Post Office as well as a hefty charge on top. I'm wondering if companies in other countries might start doing the same with US customers rather than sort it out beforehand.
Maybe someone with more experience could respond. I would have thought that there had to be some reciprocal agreement to do that collection.
-
Some years ago I bought some large orders from a US company who, like many US companies at the time, couldn't be bothered to deal with UK VAT and import duties - I had to pay for them once they got to HMRC/UK Post Office as well as a hefty charge on top. I'm wondering if companies in other countries might start doing the same with US customers rather than sort it out beforehand.
It won't be possible to send postal packages to the US without having first paid the tariff. Just won't be an option from any country.
Royal Mail has sorted something for Online Business Account holders, but haven't said anything about how they'll allow lower volume sellers like me to send things.
As such, I'll be temporarily suspending sales to the US from the 18th of August. I'm stopping early because it's unclear what will happen to packages already in the postal network as of the 29th.
-
As well as increasing prices to cover the tariffs, I suspect sellers will add an admin charge as well, as by the sounds of it, it's going to be a lot more work than a simple customs' slip :(
If I were that side of the pond I'd be looking to buy a resin printer (sooner, rather than later) and switch to STL files for the next while
-
Absolutely. The only other option is to partner with a figure company in the US and share moulds or masters, as Wargames Atlantic do, but this would only be an option for the bigger businesses.
No good options left I think, just the least worst ones.
-
I watched a video about Japanese car imports. It appears that Japanese exporters not only eat the tariffs, but have also lowered the price of their cars in the US to remain competitive.
I also read that GW is going through a round of cost cutting and reducing staff. If I were to guess, I would say they are preparing to eat the tariffs IOT at least maintain their price point in the US.
Of course, these are large companies and having varying options for handling the situation. Smaller miniature companies in the UK may just stop shipping to the US. If that happens, American miniature companies will have the opportunity to expand their ranges as they will no longer have to compete with British ones. This is the whole point of the tariffs... to expand US manufacturing.
It's a sad situation, nevertheless.
Perhaps someone with the knowledge and time should create a Commercial thread of US hobby resources like I did for the EU following BREXIT.
-
I don't think American companies have ever really been 'in competition' with British companies, at least as far as the historical ranges go, and I also don't think that many, or any, American companies will expand their ranges because of this.
GW may certainly be in a position to 'eat the tarriffs' but I'm willing to bet we'll see yet another round of price increases first; but this option is certainly not available for the vast majority of figure companies, who are smaller and rely on smaller turnover to stay in business.
This will see an expansion of stl's and 3d printing companies and, probably, a saturation of 3d printed figures into the scales and ranges previously occupied by plastic and metal figures.
The wheel has turned before and will turn again, what comes around goes around, which is likely no comfort whatsoever to anybody right at this moment!
-
This will see an expansion of stl's and 3d printing companies and, probably, a saturation of 3d printed figures into the scales and ranges previously occupied by plastic and metal figures.
I think that is a very likely result.
-
Will resin printers have the production capacity as an end product? Or will it just be a means to get a new master digitally across the ocean to be used to make a new mold for some other more time effective means of production? Economy of scale issues are still quite vague to me with the new tech. I ask because i am very seriously considering buying up some spin casting equipment, but i don’t really want the potentially toxic and smelly resin printer in my studio unless absolutely necessary. Anyone have an idea on how well resin printed masters hold up in the vulcanization process of mold making?
-
Actually there are several companies that already digitally design their figures then print off a resin master for traditional metal spin casting - the masters in 15mm to 28/32mm scales seem to hold up very well.
As to the economy of scale we are already seeing, alongside the 'cottage industry' 3d printers, companies using several printers at a time, a 'stable' of figure designers and a large selection of ranges to choose from. This is likely to become more common - a lot of the ex-shapeways designers are finding new homes for their designs and attracting newer designers to join them.
Companies using 5 or 6+ 3d printers at around £3-500 each will likely replace the companies with 1 or 2 spin-casting machines (at over £1,000 each plus the cost of moulds) over time.
-
I certainly don’t have the space for five 3D printers, my jewelry casting equipment does have some use with pewter casting so i may rely on mastering by a single printer at most. I will have to be careful about pewter contaminating my precious metals. I wonder if the molds are RTV when using resin masters?
-
The moulds are made in the same way whether with resin or metal masters. Some figure manufacturers have been using resin masters for years but with hand sculpted figures - they cast a resin figure from their master and use that as a master to make the moulds from.
Hand sculpting masters will still be with us for some time. I'm quite fond of the technique - I'll create a simple master and cast it myself with rtv rubber moulds and 2 part resin; backpacks, canvas covers for vehicles, whatever I have the need for with my own miniatures.
-
Despite my joking around, I am personally aware of at least a couple of companies that have used the 'gift' system as personal correspondence between a member of staff and a customer to deliver small orders and have done for several years on international orders. I'm not advocating it as a way to do business but it is being done.
“Fraud” is a serious offence - mail, or otherwise. Homey don’t play that game!
-
I watched a video about Japanese car imports. It appears that Japanese exporters not only eat the tariffs, but have also lowered the price of their cars in the US to remain competitive.
I also read that GW is going through a round of cost cutting and reducing staff. If I were to guess, I would say they are preparing to eat the tariffs IOT at least maintain their price point in the US.
Of course, these are large companies and having varying options for handling the situation. Smaller miniature companies in the UK may just stop shipping to the US. If that happens, American miniature companies will have the opportunity to expand their ranges as they will no longer have to compete with British ones. This is the whole point of the tariffs... to expand US manufacturing.
It's a sad situation, nevertheless.
Perhaps someone with the knowledge and time should create a Commercial thread of US hobby resources like I did for the EU following BREXIT.
Some of the Japanese car makers are now cancelling anything coming to Canada as a result - the Pathfinder SUV is the biggest most visible loss.
I genuinely wondered how GW, being in Memphis for North America, was going to resolve this. As a Canadian, I have seen no difference - so far. If the costs increase enough, maybe we’ll see GW back in Canada?
When I started this hobby, GW was in Toronto area. That was the Canadian office. In fact, I almost took a position with them, about a year before they collapsed to Maryland, and then to Memphis - Memphis for their absolutely horrid labour laws. So many good people disappeared at that time.
-
“Fraud” is a serious offence - mail, or otherwise. Homey don’t play that game!
Like I said, I'm aware of it but I don't practice it myself, nor do I advocate it's use - I thought I'd made that perfectly clear earlier in the conversation.
-
@Jon of GZG - Northstar put out an email today saying that they’ll be adding 10% on at the front end to pay for tariffs (which will be done through the cart) to the US.
Andrew
BeneathALeadMountain
-
Got an email today from Ral Partha Europe, they'll be adjusting their flat rates by weight class costs to include the tariffs.
-
Fighting 15s ended shipping to the US yesterday. Existing orders will be dispatched shortly to meet the deadline. I know I'm a special case as I'm winding down for retirement, but the hassle of collecting and prepaying tax to US customs before an order ships isn't worth it.
Etsy doesn't seem to have a mechanism for dealing with this either, even though it does charge US sales tax for some states, so there doesn't appear to be a way round this using marketplaces.
-
I have noticed about half a dozen UK dealers that say they are not shipping to the US at this time waiting
to see what happens. Not good times for a US gamer or a wargames business. Sigh.
-
Mantic are suggesting to buy now if you're in the US, although some of their stuff is shipped from the US.
The last blog post I can find from them on the subject is mid May - https://www.manticgames.com/news/u-s-tariffs-halo-flashpoint-may-update/
From an email just now
NOTE FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS
Want to beat the upcoming changes to the de minimis exemption for your global shopping? Order your next hobby projects now and we'll prioritise getting them shipped before the exemption ends!
Have you pre-ordered 'Feet First into Hell', or one of the new Halo bundles containing it? Don't worry - those will ship from within the US so you're covered!
-
I did see one companies update email (sorry can’t remember who’s - maybe even Northstar) say that DHL deliveries will be continuing to U.S.A. as they (DHL) have the ability to charge the tariffs at the front end.
Andrew
BeneathALeadMountain
-
The tariff placed on New Zealand is 15%, so I guess that means I will have to add 15% to every order.
Unfortunately, finding out exactly how to pay that tariff from here is not easy. I'm hopeful that NZ Post will incorporate it into the existing online tool somehow, but it won't be done for a while, so I'm not really sure what the impact is going to be on my USA customer. Who account for three out of every four orders.
Slow sales for a while I guess.
-
Just read this in a post from Pendraken
The trouble for us as a business, is that there is currently no information available to explain how this new system is going to work. We have spoken to our contact in the UK Trade Department, but they also don't have any information and are scrambling around to try and find out what UK businesses are supposed to be doing.
https://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,23851.0.html
-
Modiphius have US and UK stores, so buyers should be mostly insulated. However, from their latest newsletter
From August 29, 2025, the United States will end its longstanding de minimis exemption for low-value packages entering the US from anywhere else in the world. This means that all orders shipped from our UK store (modiphius.net) to US addresses will be subject to duties, taxes, and/or an $80 flat fee.
Be careful where you order from o_o
-
That's one heck of a flat fee when their books usually don't cost THAT much...!
But like you said, there is the Modiphius USA you should be able to order from. If they're printed abroad and shipped to the U.S. for resale, though, prices could be going up!
Mike Demana
-
That's one heck of a flat fee when their books usually don't cost THAT much...!
But like you said, there is the Modiphius USA you should be able to order from. If they're printed abroad and shipped to the U.S. for resale, though, prices could be going up!
Mike Demana
That's from the original tariff information - either a flat fee, worked out from the % tariff, or a tariff percentage - but it's not clear how or why they might be charged. So in addition to not knowing how to pay, nobody really knows what they'll be paying; least of all the US customs service themselves!
-
From what I heard (didn't watch myself) there was a Royal Mail webinar where they said they'd be implementing a flat rate £60 fee per parcel sent to the US.
Then a day later they said they'd been misinformed and that there would be a 10% charge instead.
All fees paid before the parcel ends up entering the US.
Can see this causing lots of issues, or at least delays in shipping.
-
From what I heard (didn't watch myself) there was a Royal Mail webinar where they said they'd be implementing a flat rate £60 fee per parcel sent to the US.
Then a day later they said they'd been misinformed and that there would be a 10% charge instead.
All fees paid before the parcel ends up entering the US.
Can see this causing lots of issues, or at least delays in shipping.
Until they put it into place, I've paused US orders. Ideally something like this should have been in place ages ago to ensure minimal disruption. I can see lots of parcels being refused entry or slapped with huge bills because they got held up somewhere en route. sure they're technically meant to let anything through that was sent prior to the 29th, but let's be honest, after that point they're just going to chuck it in the "return to sender" pile.
-
Me too, as of last Thursday I have suspended US sales until things sort themselves out.
It does look as though Royal Mail will have a system to allow the tariff to be paid at this end when buying the postage (and then presumably they - RM - will pay it over to the US Revenue), but the big question is whether that will be available to everybody, or only to those who have full RM business accounts...? I don't (I just buy all my postage online as a "registered" RM customer), but I suppose I may have to if that's the only option. Oh glee, more admin to deal with...
Then I guess it's just (!) a matter of adding the tariff cost to the postage charge for all US orders placed through the webstore.
On the other hand, for larger orders I use either ParcelFarce Global or FedEx, in both cases always booked online through Interparcel (better tracking and customer service, and often better prices too) - I've recently had an email from Interparcel linking to this info on their webstite, which is worth a read:
https://uk.interparcel.com/blog/shipping-advice/us-tariffs-changes-end-of-de-minimis?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UStariffs
Even that isn't 100% clear on everything, and seems to imply that it will also be possible to still ship with the tariffs unpaid, with the recipient responsible for paying them at the other end - just like it has always worked when someone in the UK orders from the US (or anywhere else) and then has to pay the 20% VAT plus the inevitable "exortion fees" before their parcel is delivered.
Anyway, with all the uncertainty I'll be waiting to see how it all works in practice before re-opening US sales - which hopefully won't be TOO long....
Jon (GZG)
(edited for a couple of typos!)
-
Just re-asking a question I posed a few days ago, that may have got lost among all the other stuff - or maybe nobody knows...? ;)
What HS code(s) do other manufacturers use for metal wargame figures/kits?
I've never been able to find one that exactly describes white metal model soldiers; I've always used 95030085, which appears to be intended for die-cast metal models, and to date I've never had this queried - anybody got any other/better options?
Jon.
-
Or 95030030 - a suggested code covering train sets, accessories, sets and other model kits/toys of reduced size. It doesn't seem to matter whether the kits are plastic, white metal, card or anything else; just their purpose.
95030070 is a catch-all category of 'other' which might need a bit of extra explanation.
-
My sympathies to anyone having to deal with this clusterfudge of a situation.
-
What HS code(s) do other manufacturers use for metal wargame figures/kits?
One of the trade worthies here advised me to use TARIC 9503009990 and to describe them as model soldiers not toy soldiers.
-
Or 95030030 - a suggested code covering train sets, accessories, sets and other model kits/toys of reduced size. It doesn't seem to matter whether the kits are plastic, white metal, card or anything else; just their purpose.
95030070 is a catch-all category of 'other' which might need a bit of extra explanation.
Thanks - yes, I'd seen and considered those options, including the "other" category... as you say, a bit vague when all the advice about the new system is be be as accurate as possible about the HS codes.
Interestingly, the "old" (current) Royal Mail system for filling in the Customs form online when buying postage will only accept the first six digits of the number - so for RM packets I just use 950300. I guess their new system may require more digits (oo-er...).
Jon.
-
One of the trade worthies here advised me to use TARIC 9503009990 and to describe them as model soldiers not toy soldiers.
Thanks - very useful... and interesting to see a full 10-digit HS code rather than the 8 that Interparcel require, or just 6 required by RM (see my post above).
My usual product description for Customs forms is "metal model kits/figures".
Jon (GZG)
-
Per this lot (https://www.taricsupport.com/nomenclature/en/9503009990.html), the 10 digit code is the TARIC code, the first eight digits of that are the CN code & the first six are the internationally acceptable HS code ::)
I thank my lucky stars that I'm not involved in filling in customs declarations professionally.
-
Interestingly, the "old" (current) Royal Mail system for filling in the Customs form online when buying postage will only accept the first six digits of the number - so for RM packets I just use 950300. I guess their new system may require more digits (oo-er...).
It depends on the country, but for the US, Click and Drop want a 10 digit code.
If you've got products saved in your C&D account, you can only enter a 6 digit code. This is because you need to enter the import code for the *country you're exporting to*, when you create the postal label (in edit package contents if it's an order imported from your shop with product info populated from what's saved in you C&D account).
Each country has their own longer codes (or not) based on the 6 digit codes.
This site is helpful for finding codes by country: https://www.check-duties-customs-exporting-goods.service.gov.uk/selectdest (https://www.check-duties-customs-exporting-goods.service.gov.uk/selectdest)
Don't bother with the search, just go through the list and don't force your product into a code it doesn't fit. "Other" is an option for a reason.
Personally, I use 9503000090 for metal minis for the US. The EU has the corresponding code 9503009990. But everywhere is likely to have their own codes.
I think courier exports work differently, dunno I don't export by courier, but that's how Royal Mail want it.
Edit: BTW, I only discovered that each country needs a different code when I was manually entering orders from a Kickstarter and hadn't entered the products into my C&D account. So every time I went to add a product to an order, C&D would suggest a code based on what I'd entered in the product description, but the suggestions were different for each country. The suggestions are bollocks and rewrite your product description (which is unhelpful as the product description does need to be accurate), but you can turn off auto-suggest in the C&D setting somewhere.
Edit: Oh yeah here's the blurb you get if you hover over the 'customs code' field in your C&D product database thingy: "Customs codes are limited to HS6 as greater length HS codes are destination country specific. When adding this product to an order you will be offered an appropriate HS code length and description specific to the destination you are shipping to."
-
I did look at landed duty calculators for Woocommerce to calculate tax due on US orders. One was $50 a month and calculating the tax was pretty much all it did; the other was $69 a month, and it wouldn't print postage labels for Royal Mail, just labels for way more expensive couriers (even tracked international post at Royal Mail rates is a comparative bargain). Courier rates are usually enough to deter a small order to any country... What it would cost the typical US customer would be way more than a simple 10%.
-
stuff got real ;D - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p17xypgko
Postal services, including Royal Mail and Germany's DHL, said they would suspend deliveries until they had proper systems in place to deal with the new rules.
Royal Mail said it was withdrawing its current US export services for businesses from Tuesday, but added it hoped to have a new system up and running within two days to allow it to comply with the new rules before they kick in.
-
stuff got real ;D - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2p17xypgko
This is the way. So much winning.
-
This is the way. So much winning.
Oh but it is! The International section of the USPS can put it's collective feet up and have a long coffee break for a few days! lol lol
However, Royal Mail has zero sense of humour on the subject - any jokes about a bounced Czech, or the post is in the Czech are met with stony silence (I know, I have Czeched on this!). lol
-
lol lol lol
This just received from Canada Post (I have a business account as I sell used guitar stuff). I won’t be selling into the US any longer.
Quote:
As you may be aware, the United States has suspended its duty-free "de minimis" threshold of US$800 for all countries, including Canada. Starting August 29, 2025, all shipments entering the U.S. must have duties prepaid before crossing the border - regardless of their value.
This change, mandated under U.S. Executive Order 14324, applies to all business shipments from Canada, whether sent through the postal system, a Canadian courier, freight provider, or any commercial channel.
At Canada Post, we've been working to understand the order, assess options, and secure solutions that will ensure we can maintain continuity for your business. We are moving swiftly to make the necessary updates to ensure your shipments remain compliant and continue moving smoothly across the border.
What's changing
Goods valued at US$800 or less that are shipped to the United States through the postal network will be subject to an ad valorem duty. This duty will be equal to the effective tariff rate applicable to the product's country of origin under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). For Canada, the current IEEPA rate is 35% for most goods.
What this means for your business
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.
What this means:
•
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.
•
The new U.S. customs regulations will impact your costs, delivery process and customer experience.
Keeping your shipments moving
To meet the new U.S. requirements, we're partnering with Zonos® to collect duties before they enter our network and remit them directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What this means:
•
You will be able to access this solution through Canada Post's software systems - Snap Ship and Shipping Manager; through our web services and APIs; and at post offices across the country.
•
A Zonos Verified Account will be required - information on how to create an account through Canada Post will be coming soon.
-
There was a report on the news last night that a lot of Australian retailers were suspending business with the US pending Australia Post sorting out compliance methods. Apparently this also includes a number of the shopping platforms used by smaller businesses.
-
There was a report on the news last night that a lot of Australian retailers were suspending business with the US pending Australia Post sorting out compliance methods. Apparently this also includes a number of the shopping platforms used by smaller businesses.
That’s a shame. “Thoughts and prayers, America … thoughts and prayers” lol
-
T&P: maybe a Lincoln brigade would be more effective, if the time comes.
-
T&P: maybe a Lincoln brigade would be more effective, if the time comes.
Nah, you need to resurrect the bootleggers, smuggling figures and games into the USA! lol
-
Nah, you need to resurrect the bootleggers, smuggling figures and games into the USA! lol
Canada was literally the number one source of bootleg during Prohibition lol
-
ssh! don’t give the authorities any hints.
-
Canada was literally the number one source of bootleg during Prohibition lol
In their time of need Americans knew that Canada had their backs and would keep supplying bootlegged Nickelback CDs and blackmarket poutine whatever the US Constitution might say. :D
-
There was a time when I'd retired from the airline (with my free flight benefits) that I briefly considered my own personal import/export non-business. I would fly abroad, visit a country, pick up merchandise my friends wanted, then fly home. If asked by customs, I would say they're souvenirs! lol
Wisely, I chose not to go that route. However, with these tariffs... ;)
Mike Demana
-
There was a time when I'd retired from the airline (with my free flight benefits) that I briefly considered my own personal import/export non-business. I would fly abroad, visit a country, pick up merchandise my friends wanted, then fly home. If asked by customs, I would say they're souvenirs! lol
Wisely, I chose not to go that route. However, with these tariffs... ;)
Mike Demana
Yeah, it's the way of the world; someone will do it, get caught, then they'll crack down on what people can bring back as souvenirs and spoil things for everyone.
Just have to see what happens next I suppose.
-
New career opportunities for figure mules.
6mm may not be too bad, but I'm not sure if a 28mm Macedonian Phalanx would be worse going in or coming out :o
-
New career opportunities for figure mules.
6mm may not be too bad, but I'm not sure if a 28mm Macedonian Phalanx would be worse going in or coming out :o
That prison wallet is going to get some use… I think you’re right on anything with piles though: value for those just went through the roof! lol
-
That prison wallet is going to get some use… I think you’re right on anything with piles though: value for those just went through the roof! lol
Well there is a Freudian Typo if ever I saw one... lol lol lol
Jon.
-
Well there is a Freudian Typo if ever I saw one... lol lol lol
Jon.
lol lol lol
Too funny! “Pikes” “piles” o_o
-
Wisely, I chose not to go that route. However, with these tariffs...
We are but pawns in the palm of Adam Smith's invisible hand...
-
The Pendraken newsletter came through today and, predictably, most of it was concerning the tariff situation. Pendraken are suspending sales briefly while they put the new postage system to the US into place, which does now appear to be the straight 10% fee - but what caught my eye was the fact that it's 10% of everything; cost of goods plus cost of postage. That fact alone may catch many people out and will require a reworking of many site carts, I feel.
-
The Pendraken newsletter came through today and, predictably, most of it was concerning the tariff situation. Pendraken are suspending sales briefly while they put the new postage system to the US into place, which does now appear to be the straight 10% fee - but what caught my eye was the fact that it's 10% of everything; cost of goods plus cost of postage. That fact alone may catch many people out and will require a reworking of many site carts, I feel.
Canada Post is flat 35%. Plus whatever fees - so it will kill all US sales effectively, I think.
-
We are but pawns in the palm of Adam Smith's invisible hand...
I never thought to see an economist/philosopher mentioned on the LAF, particularly Adam Smith. Fair play Cat,fair play :)
-
The Pendraken newsletter came through today and, predictably, most of it was concerning the tariff situation. Pendraken are suspending sales briefly while they put the new postage system to the US into place, which does now appear to be the straight 10% fee - but what caught my eye was the fact that it's 10% of everything; cost of goods plus cost of postage. That fact alone may catch many people out and will require a reworking of many site carts, I feel.
Yes, Pendraken (now they have finally had an answer on how it works - basically Royal Mail will collect the tariff at point of sending then pay at arrival) seem to have been able to make fairly quick changes to their shopping cart software - I suspect because they had already put in place the equivalent functionality needed for European shipping.
-
Please excuse my ignorance but is this affecting all items sent to the States, ie, l sell a few painted figures via the forum and a buyer in the US is rich enough to be able to afford the postage fees, do l have to pay tariffs on the transaction?
-
Please excuse my ignorance but is this affecting all items sent to the States, ie, l sell a few painted figures via the forum and a buyer in the US is rich enough to be able to afford the postage fees, do l have to pay tariffs on the transaction?
You absolutely do not pay tariffs - YOUR US CUSTOMER DOES. That’s how tariffs work. There is no longer a de minimus exemption. And you have to charge your customer up front, and pay forward to the US the tariff received , before the parcel gets to the US.
Article this morning I read said there are ~25 countries suspending mail service to the US now.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/25-countries-suspend-postal-services-to-us-over-tariffs-un/
So much winning!!!
-
Please excuse my ignorance but is this affecting all items sent to the States, ie, l sell a few painted figures via the forum and a buyer in the US is rich enough to be able to afford the postage fees, do l have to pay tariffs on the transaction?
I am not any sort of expert in this, but it looks like anything that isn't a gift is subject to tariffs, which you have to pay before it's sent (added to your customer's costs). How that works on an individual level is way beyond me
This is having a big impact worldwide - https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/27/economy/postal-service-halt-japan-australia-intl-hnk
one bit that worries me from the linked article is
According to the latest executive order, businesses may face an $80 per item charge for a country with a tariff rate less than 16%, or costs as high as $160 per item for a country with a tariff rate of between 16% and 25%, and $200 per item for a country with a tariff rate above 25%.
Does that mean $80 in addition to the tariff, instead of the tariff. I'm confused as a bystander, I can only imagine what the people who have to deal with this are going through
-
Thanks for clearing this up, l stopped selling outside of the UK on eBay due to how their new postage system works, l guess l will no longer sell via LAF etc now, my sympathies to anyone trying to make a living selling stuff to the States.
-
From the article I linked above
Under the new U.S. measures, individual customers will still be able to send documents and items worth up to $100 as presents to the country without being taxed.
But anything above that value is expected to be hit with the same tariff rates applied to other imports from the sending country.
That means 15 percent for countries in the European Union and 50 percent for India.
And Germany’s postal service DHL warned last week that even exempted items would be subject to extra checks to prevent the service being used for commercial goods.
-
Does that mean $80 in addition to the tariff, instead of the tariff. I'm confused as a bystander, I can only imagine what the people who have to deal with this are going through
My understanding is that the flat fees are being implemented as an option for a 6 month transitional period. The seller (or shipper) can chose whether they want to collect the tariff based on the correct percentage, or just tack on a flat fee. But that option goes away after 6 months.
-
Well, Royal Mail's new system SHOULD be going live today, according to their website... although it's now nearly 5:30 pm and it doesn't appear to be working yet... lol
As far as I can tell, it will enable online payment of the tariffs by the sender when the postage is purchased; the recipient in the US should then get the package delivered as normal without having to stump up any further charges.
It is up to the sender how they recover the tariffs and fees from their customer, most likely by adding them on to the total bill at the point of ordering.
We'll see how it works in the next few days, I guess....?
Jon (GZG)
-
I'm assuming a business account needs to be held in order for this to work?
-
Well, Royal Mail's new system SHOULD be going live today, according to their website... although it's now nearly 5:30 pm and it doesn't appear to be working yet... lol
We'll see how it works in the next few days, I guess....?
Jon (GZG)
Some of us are going to wait at least a few weeks after the Royal Mail's system goes live to see whether early adopters' parcels actually get through.
-
I'm assuming a business account needs to be held in order for this to work?
If Royal Mail's messages can be believed, it should be available for ordinary Click and Drop account holders, not just business account holders.
-
Thank you.
-
If Royal Mail's messages can be believed, it should be available for ordinary Click and Drop account holders, not just business account holders.
Yes, that's how I read it too...
I just checked the RM site again this morning, and the new system still doesn't seem to be up - in fact, it's looking like right now you can't buy online postage for ANY destinations other than the UK! In the drop-down menu, where you normally find all the country options listed, currently the only option available is United Kingdom... >:( >:( >:(
Who would have thought it, eh? A Royal Mail IT system that doesn't work properly...? lol lol lol >:(
Jon
-
Today’s the big day. Enjoy, America!
-
Yes, that's how I read it too...
I just checked the RM site again this morning, and the new system still doesn't seem to be up - in fact, it's looking like right now you can't buy online postage for ANY destinations other than the UK! In the drop-down menu, where you normally find all the country options listed, currently the only option available is United Kingdom... >:( >:( >:(
Who would have thought it, eh? A Royal Mail IT system that doesn't work properly...? lol lol lol >:(
Jon
Royal Mail not delivering to a set deadline?
Unthinkable! lol lol lol
-
It's up on the basic Send service at https://send.royalmail.com/ (https://send.royalmail.com/)
Basically adds 10% and a 50p service charge. Couldn't verify whether the 10% was added to postage correctly.
Still not available in my Click and Drop account, where services to the US are still suspended.
-
Royal Mail not delivering to a set deadline?
Unthinkable! lol lol lol
To be fair, TACO Tuesdays were a thing: there was a pretty solid chance Trump would chicken out, or change what was happening, as he is so fully erratic.
Why make contingencies when the odds are there’s something else going to happen? lol
-
To be fair, TACO Tuesdays were a thing: there was a pretty solid chance Trump would chicken out, or change what was happening, as he is so fully erratic.
Why make contingencies when the odds are there’s something else going to happen? lol
Because this was likely to happen in one form or another no matter what happened within the US government: the pendulum had swung towards global supply, which favoured cheap labour areas, it is now swinging back again towards national interests - chances are that the pendulum will swing a few more times yet before it settles down to the 'new normal'. The more things change and all that! lol
-
Because this was likely to happen in one form or another no matter what happened within the US government: the pendulum had swung towards global supply, which favoured cheap labour areas, it is now swinging back again towards national interests
One of the economists behind the Project 2025 paper has written extensively about reshaping the current global economic system to get it back to US control. Or more US control than they previously had.
From his paper (https://www.hudsonbaycapital.com/documents/FG/hudsonbay/research/638199_A_Users_Guide_to_Restructuring_the_Global_Trading_System.pdf) you can see that what he has been recommending is using tariffs as a way to stop other countries from not using the US dollar as a standard currency as well as to wrest production from other countries back to the US.
Trump may not be able to keep an opinion from day to day but the Project 2025 folks have been working on this agenda for a long time and are quite eager to use Trump to ram it through.
Hence Trump's fixation on the Federal Reserve. Trump probably can't spell the phrase but the Project 2025 folks are desperate to reduce the impact of the Fed. They also have wanted to get rid of the de minimus exemption for a pile of reasons.
TLDR; Trump's opinion on these issues isn't important
-
If I was in the US I would be worrying about the customs people not knowing what they were doing and how to properly process parcels.
-
One of the economists behind the Project 2025 paper has written extensively about reshaping the current global economic system to get it back to US control. Or more US control than they previously had.
From his paper (https://www.hudsonbaycapital.com/documents/FG/hudsonbay/research/638199_A_Users_Guide_to_Restructuring_the_Global_Trading_System.pdf) you can see that what he has been recommending is using tariffs as a way to stop other countries from not using the US dollar as a standard currency as well as to wrest production from other countries back to the US.
Trump may not be able to keep an opinion from day to day but the Project 2025 folks have been working on this agenda for a long time and are quite eager to use Trump to ram it through.
Hence Trump's fixation on the Federal Reserve. Trump probably can't spell the phrase but the Project 2025 folks are desperate to reduce the impact of the Fed. They also have wanted to get rid of the de minimus exemption for a pile of reasons.
TLDR; Trump's opinion on these issues isn't important
Many people, in the US and elsewhere, have Trump living in their heads and just will not see that the man is not very important; he's a figurehead for several different groups who may be important themselves for the effect they will have on the US, but not Trump.
-
If I was in the US I would be worrying about the customs people not knowing what they were doing and how to properly process parcels.
Yeah, it's already happening. I pledged for the Satanic Panic Miniatures metal shields Kickstarter, and when I got my package about 2 weeks ago, it had been manhandled, re-taped and had a "Opened and Inspected by US customs" label applied. Parts were rattling around loose inside the box.
I've been ordering minis and hobby stuff from outside the US since the 90's, and this is the first time I've ever gotten notice that my packages have been opened and inspected.
-
Sally 4th has just reinstated shipping to the UK.
US Import Tariffs will be calculated and added to orders being shipped to USA as part of checkout process.
-
And the newest twist in this story today is a U.S. federal appeals court has declared that the tariff's as imposed violate the US Constitution - but more or less stayed against any action until October so the U.S. Supreme Court can weigh in. This should get interesting since the justices main job is to uphold the constitution - not interpret it, though they certainly do that for good or ill. I'm no legal beagle but it is pretty clear to me there is no national emergency in existence that justified presidential action on tariffs - or that such power is even allowed under the (Smilleridiocracy) emergency language being abused.
So, I suspect a lot of international business will be on hold for another month and a week or two.
Me? I have two orders, both U.S. based companies shipping to my U.S. location, in transit and then - as far as I know at this time - there is nothing else I need to add to any of my many miniatures collections. Which means, at least on a hobby level, the tariffs don't really affect me.
But...will this moronic mess tip the entire world into a recession or worse? And I hope that is law and business, not politics (if I went there... >:( >:D :-[
-
Whether or not the tariffs violate the US Constitution, the other point to consider is that the US Supreme Court has been scrupulous in setting boundaries between the law makers (POTUS and congress) and law interpreters (the courts system) - overturning several long-standing legal precedents simply because they created a new law by their use. The US Supreme Court will have to decide whether this is an interpretation of the US Constitution, an interpretation of the law as it stands or if the courts are creating a new law by intervening in the law-making process at this level.
Pass the popcorn, please, this may be worth watching! lol
-
Per FifteensAway:
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/29/trump-trade-tariffs-appeals-court-ieepa.html?__source=androidappshare
Source - reliable one.
-
Per FifteensAway:
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/29/trump-trade-tariffs-appeals-court-ieepa.html?__source=androidappshare
Source - reliable one.
Hmm. A 7:4 majority ruling is not an unqualified success - 4 judges ruled that the IEEPA could support the tariffs and that the plaintiffs couldn't make a strong enough case against them. It will be VERY interesting when this gets to the US Supreme Court.
I think I'm going to need more popcorn. lol
-
Per FifteensAway:
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/29/trump-trade-tariffs-appeals-court-ieepa.html?__source=androidappshare
Source - reliable one.
The tariffs will stay in effect until Oct 14th. And the Supreme Court will probably let them stand.
-
Hmm. A 7:4 majority ruling is not an unqualified success - 4 judges ruled that the IEEPA could support the tariffs and that the plaintiffs couldn't make a strong enough case against them. It will be VERY interesting when this gets to the US Supreme Court.
I think I'm going to need more popcorn. lol
Popcorn, indeed lol
-
Please keep it focused on the tariff issues at hand and solutions that may arise.
-
to bring it back on topic, got this in a Foundry email just now. They talk about an "additional invoice", not sure how that will work
You may have already received an email or seen our social media posts about the recent changes to customs charges when importing to the US, but in case you missed it we have a more detailed write up that you can find here.
"For the time being, what this means is that after you place an order with us we will send you an additional invoice to cover the 10% US customs charges that will need to be paid before your order is shipped.
their full statement is at https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/blogs/news/new-usa-import-customs-duties
-
I've reinstated US orders for mammoth miniatures, with a 10% fee calculated at checkout. If this whole thing gets revoked in a few days/weeks/years, I'll remove the additional fee.
-
I've reinstated US orders for mammoth miniatures, with a 10% fee calculated at checkout. If this whole thing gets revoked in a few days/weeks/years, I'll remove the additional fee.
Sadly, it won't be. I say this before knowing which way the US Supreme Court will decide as the US Govt seem committed to tariffs and they have at least 2 other, slower, legal mechanisms to use if this one fails. One way or another the tariffs are here to stay, until at least the end of this administration, so we'll just have to deal with them.
-
I've reinstated US orders for mammoth miniatures, with a 10% fee calculated at checkout. If this whole thing gets revoked in a few days/weeks/years, I'll remove the additional fee.
Yes, the RM system now seems to be working for me too, I've done a dummy test order this morning and it correctly calculated the 10% tariff plus a 50p RM "handling fee"; it appears that the tariff is calculated ONLY on the goods value, and not on the shipping cost as had been mentioned in a few posts above. I'll be re-instating US sales shortly once a few adjustments have been made at the store checkout, probably have them up and running again in around a week.
A question to the other small manufacturers on here - when filling in the online Customs documentation for RM packages, do you separate and list EVERY single item in the order, with individual weights and values, or just lump it all together as a single item of (eg) "Metal models" with a total weight and value? In the past, I've always taken the latter (simpler) route and have never had it queried or causing any problems, but I'm wondering if the new system will demand more detail of the individual contents? Interested to hear what others are doing with this...?
Jon (GZG)
-
A question to the other small manufacturers on here - when filling in the online Customs documentation for RM packages, do you separate and list EVERY single item in the order, with individual weights and values, or just lump it all together as a single item of (eg) "Metal models" with a total weight and value?
Jon (GZG)
I've always gone this route - so if an order has several figures and a book, i'll put it as two items, being "toy soldiers" and "book" and that's always worked for me. I am however a few rungs lower on the small business ladder so don't take that as any kind of proof about what's correct.
-
A question to the other small manufacturers on here - when filling in the online Customs documentation for RM packages, do you separate and list EVERY single item in the order, with individual weights and values, or just lump it all together as a single item of (eg) "Metal models" with a total weight and value? In the past, I've always taken the latter (simpler) route and have never had it queried or causing any problems, but I'm wondering if the new system will demand more detail of the individual contents? Interested to hear what others are doing with this...?
Jon (GZG)
I do it by number of packs at each pack price and weight (approx). I decided to break it down more carefully for the EU, although I'm not currently sending there. I thought the EU was more likely to pick apart an order and question it.
I still have no joy with ordinary Click and Drop about sending to the US. I checked moments ago and service to the US was still suspended. I don't want to use the basic Send option from Royal Mail, which is set up for duty paid delivery, because I like having nice monthly tax invoices for collections and fror tracked UK services.
Update: Click and Drop was accepting US orders this evening. As GZG finds, it doesn't apparently add 10% to postage or stated delivery charges.