We have seen several cases where international shipments arrive with unusually high customs charges. In most cases, this happens when the shipment is classified under an incorrect HS or HTS code during import clearance in the destination country outside the EU.
All import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are separate from the shipping price. These charges are determined and collected by your country’s customs authority and the local carrier. They are not included in the shipping fee paid on our website.
We always provide clear product descriptions and material information on our export paperwork. However, the final customs classification is determined by the importing country.
If the received charges are unusually high compared to the value of goods, it is often due to misclassification during customs processing.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR USA IMPORTS
For shipments to the United States, goods are classified under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS).
Our inflatable bladders and plastic valves are plastic articles used for watersport equipment. Based on material and essential character, they are typically classified under:
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US HS Chapter 39 – Plastics and articles of plastics
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Common examples include 3926.90 for plastic inflatable articles
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Plastic fittings may fall under 3917.40
These classifications generally carry low or zero base duty and are not subject to Section 232 aluminum tariffs.
Our products are manufactured primarily from plastic materials. They do not contain aluminum structural components. Any small internal screws used in valve assemblies are incidental and do not change the essential character of the product.
If Section 232 aluminum duties or unexpectedly high tariffs are applied, we strongly recommend requesting confirmation of the exact HTSUS code used and asking for a reclassification review.
NOTE FOR OTHER NON-EU COUNTRIES
For countries outside the EU other than the USA, the following HS codes are typically used for our products:
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9506 29 00 00 – sporting goods parts and accessories (watersports)
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8481 80 40 00 – plastic valves
These codes normally carry low to moderate import duties, depending on national tariff policies.
Before placing an order, we recommend checking your country’s tariff database so you are aware of possible import costs.
Please note that some countries apply high general import taxes regardless of product type. For example, Brazil and Turkey are known for strict import regulations and higher duties.
CARRIER HANDLING FEES
In addition to customs duty, most carriers charge a customs handling or brokerage fee. This fee is separate from customs duty and is usually fixed or moderately low value-based.
Incorrect HS or HTS classification is typically the only reason for significantly increased duty amounts.
WHAT TO DO IF THE CHARGES SEEM TOO HIGH?
If your import charges appear unusually high:
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Contact the carrier or customs representative.
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Request the exact HS or HTS code used for clearance.
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Ask for a full breakdown of duties and fees.
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If the classification does not match the product description and material composition, request a formal reclassification review.
Below is a sample email you may use.
SAMPLE EMAIL TO CUSTOMS OR CARRIER
Subject: Request for review and correction of HS classification
Dear Customs Team,
Please review the customs classification applied to my shipment.
Carrier: [insert carrier name]
Tracking number: [insert number]
Import date: [insert date]
These goods are spare parts for watersport equipment supplied by Dr.Tuba.
For USA imports:
The goods are plastic articles used for watersport equipment and are typically classified under US HS Chapter 39, such as 3926.90 for plastic inflatable articles or 3917.40 for plastic fittings. (choose correct ones(s))
For other countries:
The exporter provided HS codes 9506 29 00 00 for watersport parts and 8481 80 40 00 for plastic valves. (choose correct ones(s))
The current classification appears inconsistent with the product description and material composition.
Please confirm the HS code used for this entry and initiate a reclassification review if necessary. If an incorrect classification was applied, kindly issue a corrected customs invoice and adjust any overcharged duties.
Attachments: commercial invoice and product description.
Thank you for your assistance.
[Your name]
[Your contact details]
FAQ – Import Duties and Customs Charges
Q: Are import duties included in the shipping price?
No. Import duties, VAT, and customs clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are charged by your country’s customs authority upon import.
Q: Why are my import charges higher than expected?
In most cases, unusually high charges are caused by incorrect HS or HTS classification during customs clearance.
Q: What is the typical classification for your products in the USA?
Inflatable bladders and plastic valves are plastic articles and are typically classified under US HS Chapter 39, such as 3926.90 or 3917.40.
Q: Are your products subject to Section 232 aluminum tariffs?
No. Our products are manufactured primarily from plastic and do not contain aluminum structural components.
Q: What should I do if the charges seem too high?
Contact the carrier or customs representative and request:
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The HS or HTS code used
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A breakdown of duties and fees
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A reclassification review if the code appears incorrect
Q: Do you control import duties?
No. Import duties are determined by the importing country’s customs authority and are outside our control.
Q: What happens if I refuse the package or do not pick it up?
If you refuse the shipment or do not respond to the carrier for customs clearance or delivery, the parcel is usually returned to us. All return shipping costs, customs handling fees, storage fees, and any additional charges imposed by the carrier or customs will be deducted from the refund. If the return costs exceed the value of the goods, we may instruct the carrier to destroy the shipment. In such a case, no refund is possible.
Q: What if I was not notified by the carrier?
We send a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order is dispatched. It is the customer’s responsibility to regularly monitor the tracking status and contact the carrier or local post office if required. Carriers normally contact the recipient using the contact details provided with the order. Failure to respond to customs or delivery requests may result in return or destruction of the shipment, and related costs remain the responsibility of the recipient.
Q: How does tracking work for economy shipping?
Economy shipping has very limited tracking. In most cases, tracking updates stop once the shipment leaves the EU. The parcel is usually scanned again only after arrival in the destination country. Customers can often track the shipment within their local national postal system once it enters their country. Economy shipments are not insured and delivery claims are generally not possible, we advise against using economy shipping service.