Am I responsible for duties and tariffs on purchases from Pietra suppliers?
Yes. If your supplier is international, your inventory shipment may incur duties and tariffs when it arrives at the port in the United States. As the purchaser -- or importer -- you're responsible for any duties or tariffs due.
These regulations apply to all orders being shipped to Pietra Fulfillment for storage, as well as orders shipped to your home or another location.
Here's how the process typically works:
What happens at the U.S. border?
Once your supplier ships the goods, the package travels to a U.S. Customs entry point. There, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review the shipment’s documentation (e.g., the commercial invoice) to determine whether any duties or tariffs apply.
If the total declared value is under the de minimis threshold, your shipment will likely enter duty-free.
If the declared value is over the de minimis threshold, or the goods fall under a special category (like textiles, alcohol, etc.), duties may apply.
How will I be notified if duties are due?
If your shipment is handled by a major carrier like UPS, FedEx, or DHL, they will typically act as the customs broker on your behalf.
The carrier will notify you via email or phone if any payment is required before delivery.
You may be asked to pay duties and fees online or upon delivery.
If the carrier is not acting as the customs broker, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may notify you directly and you'll need to coordinate with a third party customs broker to get your items released.
Tips for a smooth experience:
Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so the carrier and/or customs broker can reach you if needed.
Ask your supplier to clearly label the contents and value of your shipment on the commercial invoice.
Consider using carriers who provide customs brokerage services if you're unsure about navigating import fees.
What is the cost of duties and tariffs for my inventory order(s)?
Duties and tariffs will vary depending on the value of your goods, as determined by the manufacturer and declared on the commercial invoice. These fees are assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) based on factors such as the product category, country of origin, and the applicable Harmonized System (HS) code. Because customs officials evaluate shipments on a case-by-case basis, there is no precise or guaranteed way to estimate the total cost of duties and tariffs in advance.
While some online tools and customs brokers can provide general estimates, the final assessment will be determined upon the shipment's arrival in the United States. If your order is subject to additional inspections or classification adjustments, the total fees may differ from initial projections. To minimize unexpected costs, ensure that your supplier provides accurate and detailed documentation, including product descriptions, values, and HS codes.