US Tariff Policy 20260530

As the US trade landscape continues to evolve under the Reciprocal Tariff policies, we want to ensure our US customers are fully informed of the latest shipping and import options. Our goal is to guarantee that your authentic TBSS Taiwan parts arrive safely, legally, and at the most cost-effective rates possible.

Starting June 1st, we will officially resume our standard postal services to the United States. To help you choose the best shipping method based on your budget and urgency, please review our updated dual-carrier shipping and customs clearing guidelines below.

1. Understanding Your Shipping Options: Postal (USPS) vs. DHL Express

Depending on your order value, urgency, and how you prefer to handle customs duties, you can choose between two different shipping channels at checkout:

Option A: Standard Shipping (Chunghwa Post / Delivered by USPS)

Our standard postal service is fully restored, offering an affordable option. However, how customs duties are collected will now depend on the $800 threshold:

  • Orders Under $800 (DDP - Delivered Duty Paid): To simplify compliance with new US customs regulations, we collect a flat 13% fee at checkout (which covers the 10% mandatory US import tariff and a 3% customs brokerage agent fee). You pay everything upfront on our website. We pre-pay all fees here in Taiwan, and your package will be delivered directly to your doorstep by USPS with zero additional fees due upon arrival.

  • Orders Over $800 (DDU - Delivered Duty Unpaid): For orders totaling over $800, the simplified prepaid service is unavailable. We will not charge any customs duties at checkout. Your package will still ship via Postal/USPS, but USPS will collect the standard US import tariffs directly from you (the recipient) upon delivery or pickup.

Option B: Courier Service (DHL Express) – The King of Speed

If you need your parts urgently, DHL Express remains the gold standard for international shipping, offering premium benefits that postal services cannot match:

  • The DHL Premium Advantage:

    • Unmatched Speed: Packages typically arrive across the US in just 2 to 4 business days, whereas regular mail transit times are significantly longer.

    • Proactive Private Customs Clearance: DHL features its own dedicated customs brokerage team. Your package is often cleared through customs while still in the air before arriving in the US, avoiding any postal clearance delays.

    • On-Demand Delivery (ODD): You maintain full control over your delivery via text/email. You can easily reschedule, authorize a signature release, or redirect your package to a nearby DHL Service Point (such as 7-Eleven or CVS) for convenient pickup.

  • How Customs Work (DDU): DHL operates on a DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) basis. They will front your favorable 12–15% ART tariff to US Customs so your package is released immediately.

  • DHL Fees: DHL charges an advancement fee (typically 2% of the duty amount or a minimum of $17.00) for preparing and pre-paying your customs duties.

  • Avoidable Fees: Due to the speed of DHL shipping, you must pay your customs duties via their secure payment link sent via text/email within 3 days of arrival to avoid storage fees (which start at approximately $15 per day).

2. The $800 Threshold Overview (Postal & EMS Express Only)

  • Under $800: Eligible for the simplified 13% flat-rate prepaid (DDP) service via Postal/USPS. The process is smooth, predictable, and hassle-free.

  • Over $800: Shipped via Postal/USPS but handled as DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). Customs duties will be calculated by US Customs and must be paid to USPS by the recipient.

3. Informal vs. Formal Entry: The $2,500 Threshold (For DHL Shipments)

To save time and money on larger express orders, understanding US entry types is essential:

  • Informal Entry (Under $2,500): This is the "fast track." Most orders under $2,500 are processed quickly, incurring only standard DHL customs brokerage fees.

  • Formal Entry (Over $2,500): Orders exceeding $2,500 require a formal customs entry. This is a complex legal process that requires a customs bond and can incur brokerage fees ranging from $150 to $200, in addition to the 15% tariff.

Pro-Strategies: How to Place Your Orders for the Best Outcome

  1. For orders under $800: Choose Standard Shipping (Postal/USPS/EMS) for a convenient, economical delivery. Paying the flat 13% fee at checkout ensures a smooth delivery without worrying about unexpected DHL invoices, phone calls, or minimum brokerage fees.

  2. For urgent upgrades and advanced tracking: Choose DHL Express. If you need your parts for a weekend bike build or if your scooter project is tied up on a repair lift, DHL’s 2–4 day delivery and step-by-step tracking are well worth the premium, even with the extra fees.

  3. Keep orders under $2,500 and split large shipments: To avoid the high fees and tedious paperwork of DHL "Formal Entry," try to keep your order total under $2,500. If you need a large volume of parts, it is often more cost-effective to split them into two separate orders placed on different days, allowing each to pass through the "Informal Entry" channel.

Our Commitment

We provide precise, professional commercial invoices clearly detailing the Country of Origin (MIT/MIJ) and HS Customs Codes. This ensures your package is correctly classified under the law, preventing unnecessary customs delays or overcharges, whether delivered via USPS or DHL Express.

Thank you for being a vital part of the global scooter community and for supporting authentic craftsmanship.

Ride Safe,

The TBSS Taiwan Team