Resumption of PO shipping to USA

[sam2019]

Although shipping has resumed it is with a caveat:

There will be a charge of 50% on top the the stated value of the item shipped. (But I found a way to avoid this - see last msg)

This will continue until the supreme court has come to a final verdict re: Trumps tariffs - after which the added customs fees will likely be terminated - always assuming the tariffs will be found to be illegal.

(attached: the original Postal announcement)

 

[sam2019]

Tax and Duty Details​

Under the updated US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, effective August 29, 2025, all postal shipments from India to the USA (regardless of value) are subject to import duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff framework. This is a targeted 50% tariff on goods from India, influenced by broader US trade policies (e.g., a base 25% tariff plus an additional 25% penalty related to India's trade practices).
Key points on duties and taxes:

• Duty Rate: A flat 50% customs duty on the declared Free on Board (FOB) value of the shipment. FOB value is the cost of the goods excluding shipping and insurance.
  • Example Calculation: For a parcel with an FOB value of USD 200, the duty would be USD 100 (50% of 200). The recipient does not pay this upfront—it's collected in India.
• Exemptions:
  • Gift items up to USD 100 in value remain duty-free.
  • Letters and documents are generally exempt from duties (as they have no commercial value).
• No Additional Duties: Unlike commercial courier shipments, postal items from India via India Post are not subject to product-specific tariffs, base duties, or other add-ons under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). This makes it more cost-effective for small exporters, MSMEs, artisans, and e-commerce sellers.
• Payment Process (DDP System): Duties are collected upfront in India at the time of booking and remitted directly to US authorities via CBP-approved "Qualified Parties" (e.g., partners like Yakit). This ensures compliance, avoids delays at US ports, and means no extra charges or surprises for the US recipient.

 

[sam2019]

I think I found a way to circumvent all taxes/duties for the Big Bore kits we sell. I will add a CN22 (customs declaration form) to the outside of the parcel that has an actual picture of the OEM barrel/piston combo cost in Rupees on it. This is just under 100 US$ if converted. I will declare the value of the parcel in the same way. Because parcels under US$ 100.- are tax and tariff free it should just slip thru. I doubt very much that a customs official SHOULD he open the actual box can discern between a BB kit and the OEM part - for the uninitiated they look exactly the same.
I could even state that it is a repaired item that is now returned and claim an even lower value. But I guess as long as its under that magical threshold everything is fine. So US citizens - MAKE AMERICA FAST AGAIN! and order the BB kits please.