Struggling to keep up with the latest tariff changes and what they mean for your business?
You’re not alone. That’s why we’ve developed this resource, which aims to simplify the current state of play—and the best practice strategies when shipping internationally.
Please note this information is accurate as of 2 May 2025. Because things can change, it is always best to stay up-to-date with the official sources too. We're here if you get stuck!
Here’s what we’ll cover in this articleWhat are the latest US tariffs? How do the new tariffs affect my business? What should US parcel recipients expect? How to declare your parcel contents correctly |
What are the latest US tariffs?
The latest tariffs introduced by the US government are essentially a tax on goods imported into the US. While tariffs aren’t new, these rates are significantly higher than before.
For goods manufactured (or partly manufactured) in China or Hong Kong, the de minimis exemption no longer applies. This means all such shipments will now be subject to additional tariffs, regardless of their value.
What do the tariffs mean for my business?
If you're shipping affected products via DAP (also known as DDU, which is what Sendle currently uses), the receiver will need to pay the tariff fees to receive the parcel.
The exact amount will depend on several factors: the item’s value, country of manufacture, HS code, and the shipping method.
If you choose to ship via DDP, those fees will be charged back to you as the sender. We’re working on offering a DDP solution so you can see these costs upfront and make shipping easier for your customers.
Changes to US-bound parcels: What recipients need to know
If you're sending a parcel to the US, there are some new processes your recipient might experience—especially if the item was manufactured in China or Hong Kong and sent from Australia.
Here’s what to expect if your parcel is subject to additional duties and taxes:
- Within 30 days of arrival in the US, your recipient may receive a letter from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This is a legitimate letter—not a scam. The letter will include:
1. A request for your recipient to hire a licensed customs broker
2. A link to the CBP website with a list of brokers and instructions on what to do next
- To get the parcel moving again, the recipient will need to work directly with CBP and their chosen broker to pay any duties, taxes, and fees.
Important to know
Parcels affected by this process will likely be delayed, sometimes significantly—especially if the recipient doesn’t act quickly. Parcels not subject to additional duties and taxes may also be delayed due to congestion.
If the item was manufactured in China or Hong Kong, the recipient can expect to pay:
- An additional 30% duty rate, plus
- Any additional tariffs applied on specific items, and
- CBP and USPS surcharges
We understand this is a big change and can be frustrating. We're here to help make the process as smooth as possible—check out our article on what recipients need to do when they get a CBP letter for step-by-step guidance.
It's important to make sure you are correctly declaring
Increased US Customs scrutiny means heavy penalties can apply, and misdeclarations could be an offence. Packages are subject to inspection so don’t get caught out.
Country of manufacture
Navigating rules of origin can be tricky—it’s not just about where an item is shipped from. In cases involving China and Hong Kong, it comes down to the country of manufacture. Even if only a small component of an item is from one of these regions, it may still be classified as being of Chinese or Hong Kong origin. To avoid issues, work closely with your forwarder or broker and provide thorough documentation, such as Certificates of Origin and invoices. When in doubt, seek expert tariff advice.
Harmonised system (HS) codes
HS codes help customs identify exactly what kind of product you’re exporting—so it’s important to get them right. For smooth imports into the US, you now need to use accurate 10-digit HS codes. These codes give customs the detail they need for faster clearance and help you avoid unnecessary fees or delays. You can look up the correct codes using the US Census Bureau database.
Item values
Items made in China or Hong Kong that are valued under $800 are no longer duty-free. So it’s essential to declare the full, accurate value on your commercial invoices—including the item description, quantity, and value—for every shipment.
The $800 threshold still applies to items not manufactured in China or Hong Kong. These shipments can still enter the US without tariffs, duties, or taxes.
Accurate declarations help keep things moving and avoid unwanted surprises at the border.
Receiver details
Always include the receiver's phone number and email if possible. Providing a direct contact for customs typically reduces delays.
Another reminder that increased US Customs scrutiny means heavy penalties can apply, and misdeclarations could be an offence. Packages are subject to inspection so don’t get caught out.
What is Sendle doing to help?
At Sendle, we know these changes can feel overwhelming—especially with new tariffs, documentation, and customs rules all kicking in at once. That’s why we’re updating how we handle U.S.-bound shipments to make things as simple and stress-free as possible for you and your customers.
Future proofing international shipments to the US
Up until now, Sendle has only offered DAP (Delivered At Place) shipping on international routes. But you will now see a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping option for parcels sent to the United States from Australia.
This means:
- No surprise customs fees for your US customers
- Fewer refused deliveries and delays
- A smoother, more predictable shipping experience
By paying duties and taxes upfront, you’ll be able to give your customers full visibility into total costs at checkout, while reducing headaches caused by misdeclared parcels or unpaid customs charges.
Important things to know
Note that while we bring these changes in place, we are introducing some changes to ensure that all of our parcels remain compliant. This ensures that deliveries for everyone run as smoothly as possible:
- A requirement for all HS codes to be 10 digits, to ensure accuracy
- A minimum $150 adjustment penalty in addition to the tariff difference for any misdeclared packages
- Better “Know Your Customer” requirements for international shippers to the US
We’re making these moves because we want to help your business stay compliant, avoid disruptions, and deliver the best possible experience for your international customers. As always, we’ll keep you posted with updates as the rollout progresses.
Who pays import duties when you use Sendle?
When sending parcels internationally—especially into the US—it’s important to understand who’s responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. These charges are based on the type and value of the goods being shipped, and they can impact the delivery experience.
There are two main options:
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
This means any duties are covered upfront and your customer won’t receive any surprise bills or customs fees when the parcel arrives. It’s the smoothest option for buyers and helps avoid delays or refused deliveries.
DAP (Delivered At Place)
The recipient pays the duties and taxes when the parcel arrives. While this may seem simpler for the sender, it can create a riskier experience for customers. Unexpected charges at delivery can lead to confusion, delays, or the customer refusing the parcel.
How DDP works with Sendle
If you're sending goods manufactured in China or Hong Kong into the US, using DDP with Sendle helps ensure a smooth delivery and a better customer experience.
Here’s what to expect:
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Import fees are calculated at booking
Based on the item description and declared value, we’ll estimate and charge the import duties and taxes upfront when you book your shipment.
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Accuracy matters
If the item type, origin, or value is misdeclared, we may need to adjust the import charges later. These adjustments will be charged back to your Sendle account.
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Additional fees may apply
Misdeclarations can also lead to extra fees from customs authorities, which will also be billed to you.
For the best results, always declare your parcel contents clearly and accurately. This helps avoid delays, surprises, and extra charges.