For those in the US planning to purchase a radio from China, you might want to do it sooner rather than later.
Currently there are no tariffs for overseas packages from China valued under $800. That “de minimus” exception ends May 1, 2015. In May the item will be taxed at $75 per item or 90% of its value, whichever is less. After June 1 the tariff is simply $150 per item (per item, not per package).
If you bought 3 radios priced at $40 each, totaling $120, here’s how the tariff would work May 1:
- Tariff Calculation: Since the de minimis exemption ends on May 1, 2025, the tariff would apply. Each radio would be taxed at 90% of its value or $75, whichever is lower. For a $40 radio, 90% of its value is $36, which is less than $75. Therefore, the tariff for each radio would be $36. For 3 radios, the total tariff would be $108.
- Collection Process: The tariff is typically collected by the shipping carrier or customs broker. When your package arrives in the U.S., customs will assess the tariff, and the carrier will notify you of the amount due. You would need to pay the tariff before the package is delivered to you.
After June 1, it’s just $150 per item, so the three radios would have a $450 tariff.
Note: tariffs are imposed based on the country of origin, not the country of shipment, and they are taxed on the day the arrive in the US, not the date of order or shipment.
For further information see:
AMENDMENT TO RECIPROCAL TARIFFS AND UPDATED DUTIES AS APPLIED TO LOW-VALUE IMPORTS FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Subject to change without notice.
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Hi Kevin,
Thank you for the examples of the tariffs as applied to radios. I didn’t know about some of the dates.
So, if I purchase a radio from the XHDATA website, shipped from China, would I be charged a tariff even if the website still displays the old prices?
Starting in December, I took advantage of some XHDATA deals and got the D-221, an R-108, and a D-219. I really enjoy the R-108!
I also have made some good deals on used Choyong LC90 radios (one is a mini), and I’m really enjoying these as well.
I received an email from Connect Systems for the CS750 DMR radio and how the tariffs would increase from 25% ($28.75) to 100% ($115.00). Connect Systems was very open about how their profit would go from $71 to $16 with 100% tariffs.
Let’s hope that the US and China come to some sort of agreement soon. If not, I’ll be watching the resell market for some of my lesser-used radios.
Kelly
The price on the website has nothing to do with tariffs. When the radio arrives in the US, US Customs will assess the tariff and the customs broker or shipping will demand the tariff from you before delivery. Tariffs are collected by the US at the point of entry. XHDATA has no involvement.
Of course, the whole thing could change tomorrow.