What are the tariff duties importing from UK/Italy to US?

Hi there,

I'm just wondering if anyone imported anything from UK or Italy into US before. I've been looking around and not sure on exactly what is the cost of importing sunglasses into US. I know anything below $1000, it can be waived. So what if >$1000? Is it like a 5% duty fee? a bit confused

I'm totally new to the importing games. I would appreciate any advice and information anyone could give me.

Thanks,

Jack

Hi misenlai,

I will try to answer your question on the trariff duties you will pay when importing sunglasses from UK or Italy, based on the search I did on the US National Trade Commission's website (Link hidden: Login to view) with the help of the guide in our education section - Importing into the US: Papers, Procedures, Duties.

A specific rate is a specified amount per unit of weight or other quantity. This is the type of duty being charged for sunglasses. The percentage of the charge may be affected by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule - So for every dozen of sunglasses you import you will be charged 2.5% if the country of origin is not part of the 'most favored nations' list.

However, no duties will be required if the country of origin is one of the following: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Caribbean Basin, Israel, Andean Nations, Jordan, Morroco, Mexico, Oman, Dominic Republic, Peru, Singapore).

A charge of 40% applies to sunglasses imported from countries included in section 401 of the Tariff Classification Act of 1962.

I'm not sure if I'm making sense but I hope I am :) I suggest reading through the 'Importing into the US: Papers, Procedures, Duties' and you'll be able understand and learn more about the entire process. To have a read please go to:

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I do hope this helps!

Hi Jack,

Here are other details you might need to know about importing sunglasses to USA:

- You need to get clearance from the FDA (yes, from the Food &Drug Administration!) as well as from the US Customs. This is required for even a single pair of order for personal use and for bulk orders for commercial purposes. In cases of drop shipping when the source supplier is out of USA, then you’ll technically have a foreign supplier and you become an importer. When this happens, the carrier will be getting in touch with you to help clear US Customs and secure this FDA release for your sunglasses. :)

- The shipper /supplier should prepare documentation for this product’s entry to the USA, and this is sent along with the shipment. This includes results of a drop ball test and impact resistance test. Then the eyewear / frames must come with an FDA Medical List number, which is a proprietary number issued by the FDA to the manufacturer to facilitate release of this product from the US Customs and the FDA.

Sources: Link hidden: Login to view
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Hope this helps!

Hi,

It does sounds like this should be taken care of by the shipper. I don't think I have anything on my end to worry. Correct me if I'm wrong. With company like dogsb and devilwear that has been around for awhile. I think it's probably a good assumption they have done this many times.

Thanks,

Jack

Hi misenlai,

Indeed. And to be sure I'll get in touch with these suppliers on your behalf to confirm. Will update you once they reply. :)

All the best!

Hi,

It does sounds like this should be taken care of by the shipper. I don't think I have anything on my end to worry. Correct me if I'm wrong. With company like dogsb and devilwear that has been around for awhile. I think it's probably a good assumption they have done this many times.

Thanks,

Jack

Hi Jack,

It will usually be the customer who will shoulder the custom fees, so it will be good to get yourself acquainted with the ins and outs of importing. Although most suppliers will readily help you with the paperwork.

Devilwear is a dropshipper so in case you use them for dropshipping purposes you will have to specify your supplier's location and the let you're customers know that they might be paying extra for custom duties. Many dropship customers end up asking for a refund because they were not aware that they will shoulder the custom duties for a product they bought. Although, most suppliers have a way of going about it especially if the order is just small.

I would suggest getting in touch with the suppliers personally so you can ask more about additional fees or how they will arrange shipping since you are in the US and they are in the UK. At least you will be prepared for what is to come :)

Cheers!