"Tariffs-and Fees" Topic

I got an invoice today from United Parcel Service. It was for a tariff payment on something I bought from England that was delivered about a month ago. It was for a single item valued at $22.89 USD. But it then had FIVE different Duty Classes listed with Tariff rates of 7.5%, 20%, 10%, 3% and 0.05% for a total Tariff fee of $9.33 USD. PLUS a "Disbursement Fee" from UPS of $14.00 USD for a total fee of $23.33 USD – more than the cost of the item. I'm not sure about the legalities of this. I have to pay the US Government the $9.33 USD but I don't see how I owe UPS anything. I made an agreement with the seller but not UPS. I think I'll wait for a while and see what happens.

1. I don't understand why one item would have five different Duty Classes--one would seem to be quite adequate.
2. I've got to agree: I do not understand what a UPS Disbursement Fee would be. I would call UPS tomorrow (working day) and ask them what this is. Preferably without giving them your name or other personally identifiable information.

I got my order for UK figures in just before the tariffs took effect. I've been watching to see how things play out. I contacted Eureka USA about buying figures made in Australia, and they carefully explained how they were handling the issue. I've placed a small order and I'm waiting to see how this plays out. I also contacted Gripping Beast about a real, true overseas order direct from them, and I think I'll get my Gripping Beast things from Badger Games, the US distributor, at least for the time being.
Please let us know how this all works out for you. If we can place overseas orders after 11:30 pm on Thursdays and thereby avoid paying three of the five Duty Classes, we'll do it--one of our skills is gaming the system.

Grelber

According to the UPS website they've charged you $14 USD to calculate and pay the $9.33 USD on your behalf…which they then pass on to you.

Still, the important thing is that tariffs & fees hit the manufacturer and not the customer :-)

I just purchased a game from Grey for Now games in England. On their website they tell US customers straight up that we will be charged a 10% tariff before shipping. Then after shipping, you will owe nothing more….

Dave

It appears your seller doesn't have a bunnies clue on how to fill out a customs declaration form.

Wargame figures and accessories all fall under the category code: 9503000090

Dave
SMM,Inc

I found a figure I could really use on a UK web site this week, prices at 80 cents US--but the $27 USD shipping and handling is making me hesitate just a bit.

But I'm so old I can remember court cases to decide whether certain imported figures were "toy soldiers" or "military miniatures" since these were assessed at different rates.

I am just looking forward to my $2,500 USD check from tariff profits! 🙄

Back in the days of the mimeograph Courier, there was a regular contributor from Ecuador.
He told of having to pay Customs fees for "Miniature hand painted works of art".
I guess he was at the mercy of the inspector.
Further speculation would lead to prejudice against "foreign bureaucrats" and cupidity.

Was going to place an order with a UK company. I checked postage and found a flat rate of 30 pounds. I didn't buy the figures.

Have had a few customers mention tariffs on products coming from overseas (and not in a positive way). Always there has been LOTS of discussion on prices for shipping -- going both ways. For shipping we tell customers to check USPS international prices posted on the internet. We follow the price charged by the weight of the product as per how it's described in the tables. For us, first class USPS international has been a trusty carrier IMO.

+1 John

I had a package arrive this afternoon from the UK (Footsore Miniatures). Should I be looking forward additional bills?

pjm

It's a scam. Don't pay it.