The New Tariffs and Buying Abroad

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pinem

Starting to Get Obsessed
Aug 16, 2015
139
276
Nebraska
I'm in the US and decided to roll the dice for the first time after the end of the de minimis rule. Got a pipe from Bollito for $ 280 plus $12 shipping through DHL.

Here is what I got charged for a tariff plus fees two days later:

Screenshot_20251219_063305_Edge.jpg

I paid the extra the same day I got the notice, but this extra payment still delayed the shipment about 3 days.

I did have an option to choose UPS for roughly the same shipping cost, and am wondering if their processing fees would be less.

What are other's peoples experiences here in the US?
 

ashdigger

Lifer
Jul 30, 2016
12,117
82,335
62
Vegas Baby!!!
I’ve had no problems buying from Italy, England and Canada.

All of the transactions included the fee, I’ve not seen it affect the total outcome.

I have purchased 8 pipes from vendors outside the US all were smooth transactions
 
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rstloup

Lurker
Jan 15, 2023
23
30
I knew of the 15% EU Tariff, but good to also factor in the processing fee (which I wasn't aware of)...

Out of curiosity, where was the pipe you bought manufactured? Was it an Italian pipe?

I've been curious if you get charged a double tariff if you buy a British pipe through an Italian vendor + ship to the US.
 
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Sigmund

Lifer
Sep 17, 2023
4,395
45,683
France
If you buy from a vendor that charges you the tax you generally dont have to pay the processing fee but you are stuck with the tax.

If you buy a pipe made in Britian from Italy the shop has already paid for the tax as their import fee. Its based on their price, not retail. I would assume they are passing that cost on to you just like every business passes on their expenses. You just pay for the pipe, the processing fee and the tax.

A tarriff is basically a Federal sales tax. Sad thing is you guys are getting nothing in return for your tax. In the EU we at least get health care. As a small business I paid more taxes in the US than I do living in the EU and that was before the tariffs. Its a great myth that Europeans pay insane taxes. Post tariffs you guys are getting the crap taxed out of you...especially if you run a small business. Over there, if you add up all the forms of tax and then add self purchased health insurance and health care together its an enormus amount. And damn...definitely dont use your health insurance!
 

Alanon

Might Stick Around
Nov 1, 2025
87
195
Europe
I’m not from the US so I’m not up to date on the latest changes and tariffs - are there any exemptions?

For example, I want to send my friend Bob a gift to the US. I’m a private citizen and so is he, so no B2C visible on the label. Would that be exempt?
 

Sigmund

Lifer
Sep 17, 2023
4,395
45,683
France
Gifts under 100USD on the customs forms are exempt

Whatever it is mark it about 75 euros (or whatever currency) and you will likely be fine.

You cant insure for more than you claim.

Make sure to go on the web and look up the harmonized tariff code to not have delays or problems
Its an annoying website but its doable
 
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pinem

Starting to Get Obsessed
Aug 16, 2015
139
276
Nebraska
I knew of the 15% EU Tariff, but good to also factor in the processing fee (which I wasn't aware of)...

Out of curiosity, where was the pipe you bought manufactured? Was it an Italian pipe?

I've been curious if you get charged a double tariff if you buy a British pipe through an Italian vendor + ship to the US.

It was an Italian made pipe. With the tariff/fee it was still cheaper than buying the same pipe from a US vendor.
 
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pinem

Starting to Get Obsessed
Aug 16, 2015
139
276
Nebraska
I'm glad this isn't going to degenerate into a political discussion about taxes.
This post wasn't meant to commiserate on tariffs or get political. It was meant to find out what others in the US were seeing on their transactions. If there are vendors or carriers that have less fees, I would like to know about it.
 
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Reactions: wyfbane
Jan 30, 2020
2,779
9,035
New Jersey
This post wasn't meant to commiserate on tariffs or get political. It was meant to find out what others in the US were seeing on their transactions. If there are vendors or carriers that have less fees, I would like to know about it.
Some people can't help themselves, unfortunately.

The L2 tax should be 15% (says Google from Italy) so on a $280 purchase that would be accurate at $42. That processing fee though.......I'm sure that's mostly all profit on DHL's end.
 
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pinem

Starting to Get Obsessed
Aug 16, 2015
139
276
Nebraska
Some people can't help themselves, unfortunately.

The L2 tax should be 15% (says Google from Italy) so on a $280 purchase that would be accurate at $42. That processing fee though.......I'm sure that's mostly all profit on DHL's end.

IRC, it used to be safer to use DHL over UPS when it came to getting billed improper duties. But maybe with the new situation UPS or some orher carrier is better. That or finding vendors that cover the tax on thier end, so that the shipper can't extort more money out of us.
 
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bluegrassbrian

Your Mom's Favorite Pipe Smoker
Aug 27, 2016
7,273
75,563
42
Louisville
Last week I received a custom knife from France.
It was shipped via UPS and the listed price was $300.

I nearly shit myself when UPS sent me a bill for $230 for the trump tax.

$230 for a $300 item?

Someone make it make sense.
 
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