We’re closely monitoring how the new US import requirements affect buying and selling on eBay, as well as other marketplaces and our own websites.
Tariffs, duties, and fees
Due to new government policy, US customers who import goods over $800 from other countries may need to pay tariffs and fees, also known as duties. Tariffs, which vary by country, are usually calculated as a percentage of the shipment’s price. Tariffs are based on the country where an item was manufactured, not the country from which an item was shipped.
Additional processing fees may be charged by the shipping provider (e.g. UPS) or US Customs, and often range from $10-$30. You may be contacted by your shipping provider about duties and fees by email, text, phone call, letter, or upon delivery. It’s important to check that the message you receive is from the shipping provider. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
The implementation of reciprocal tariffs has been temporarily paused for most countries for 90 days. The base tariff of 10% implemented on 5 April remains unchanged. This applies to items sold into the US from the UK and all other countries.
It’s important to note that tariffs take effect on US imports for items valued over $800*. These tariffs are based on the country of origin. For instance, for UK sellers exporting to the US and products are made in China, they’ll be subject to China’s tariff rather than the UK tariff, if the shipment exceeds $800 in value.
This formal clearance threshold remains at $800 after being lowered from $2,500 on 5 April. This means US buyers will need to provide a Social Security or Tax ID number for these shipments for formal entry.
*Effective May 2, 2025, goods of any value from China and Hong Kong will be subject to duties.
What you need to know
From 5 April, US buyers may pay more on orders over $800. This will depend on certain factors, including:
- New tariffs or tariff increases
- If the item is made from certain materials (e.g. aluminum or steel)
- Goods belonging to certain categories
It’s important to note that shipments may be delayed due to increased checks by US Customs.
This means US buyers will pay duties and carrier fees associated with the new tariffs, and may be asked by the carrier to provide a Social Security or Tax ID number to complete formal customs clearance.
Duties, import fees, and personal info are typically collected by carriers after checkout. These will be excluded from the prices displayed to buyers on eBay and our other marketplaces/websites.
What happens if a buyer does not pay the tariffs and fees?
If buyers do not pay tariffs, associated fees, or provide the required information to carriers, they generally won’t receive their item from the carrier. The carrier’s policies will then decide what happens to the item, usually returned to sender (at sellers cost) or disposed of.
eBay Money Back Guarantee will not apply in this case. Where items are returned to sender, we are not obliged to refund in full.
Refunds on duties
Duty drawbacks are refunds from US Customs on duties that you’ve paid to import an item. Returns of some imported goods are eligible for a duty drawback. Whether you can claim a duty drawback depends on policies set by US Customs. Duty drawbacks don’t include shipping provider fees.
Keep in mind, not all tariffs qualify for a duty drawback. Learn how to start a claim on the US Customs site, or by reaching out to your shipping provider.
Helpful links
Here’s where you can find more information about shipping providers, US Customs, and more.
