Dear 42shops U.S. Customers,
On February 3, 2025, U.S. Customs announced significant changes to the import tariff policy for goods from China (including Hong Kong), effective February 4, 2025, 12:01 AM EST. This new policy eliminates the $800 duty-free exemption and imposes additional tariffs on all shipments, regardless of value. Please check the policy details here on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site.
Key Policy Changes:
- Elimination of the $800 Duty-Free Exemption – All shipments from China and Hong Kong will now be subject to tariffs.
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Additional Tariffs Imposed – In addition to the standard tariff rate, the following extra tariffs will apply:
- Section 301 Tariff (on specific Chinese goods)
- Section 201/232 Tariff (for steel, aluminum, etc.)
- New 10% Tariff on all goods originating from China and Hong Kong
These changes mean that all 42shops shipments to the U.S. will now incur tariffs. While our Terms and Conditions and FAQ have always stated that customers are responsible for customs duties, we understand that this sudden policy shift is unexpected and may cause inconvenience. To reduce the burden on our customers, 42shops will share part of the tariff costs.
Our Response Measures:
1️⃣ Shared Tariff Payment – Lowering Customer Costs
Under this new U.S. tariff policy, the total import tax rate on our products will range from 20% to 50%, depending on the item's HS code. To support our customers:
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For orders paid before February 5, 2025, but not yet shipped:
- We will only charge 20% of the total tariff, and 42shops will cover the remaining amount.
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For orders paid after February 5, 2025:
- A reduced prepaid tariff rate has been applied at checkout, which is significantly lower than the official tariff rate.
- DHL orders will be refunded the tax collected at checkout, as customers will pay duties upon delivery.
2️⃣ Order Cancellation – Full Refund Available
- If your order has not yet shipped, you may cancel it for a full refund, and we will cover all associated costs.
- To cancel, please contact us at support@42shops.com, and we will process your refund within 24 hours on business days (slightly longer during weekends or holidays).
3️⃣ How Tariffs Will Be Paid – Logistics-Specific Rules
- Yanwen / Cainiao: These logistics providers will collect 35% in tariffs up front, with 20% paid by the customer and 15% covered by 42shops. Affected customers will receive a separate email notification.
- DHL / FedEx: For customers using DHL or FedEx, the tariff will not be prepaid. Customers will need to pay duties upon receipt of the package, but we will refund the tax collected at checkout.
- China Post (Eyoubao, EMS, SAL, Chinese AIR): These postal services have not yet clarified their tariff collection process. We will update affected customers once more details are available.
4️⃣ Temporary Shipping Pause for U.S. Orders
- Due to the sudden policy shift and temporary customs processing disruptions, we are pausing shipments to the U.S. from February 4-9, 2025.
- Shipments are expected to resume on February 10, 2025. Orders to other countries remain unaffected.
🔍 Future Adjustments
We will continue monitoring policy changes and logistics updates to adapt accordingly. If our shared tariff coverage proves unsustainable, adjustments may be made, but we will always prioritize providing the best possible experience for our customers.
Thank you for your continued trust and support! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at support@42shops.com.
We appreciate your understanding and wish you a great shopping experience at 42shops!
Best regards,
42shops Team
