When shipping goods to the United States from the UK, particularly when the total value is below 800 USD, there are certain unavoidable fees you may encounter:
Shipping Costs: Regardless of the value, you will incur shipping charges, which vary based on the courier, weight, and size of the parcel, as well as the speed of service you choose (standard, expedited, etc.).
Handling Fees: Carriers often charge handling fees as part of the service of processing your shipment. These fees can vary between couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and the postal service.
Customs Clearance Fees: While goods under 800 USD are typically exempt from duties and tariffs in the USA, the customs clearance process may still involve a small handling fee charged by the courier. This is sometimes referred to as a brokerage fee.
Taxes (if applicable): Even though most goods under 800 USD are exempt from import duties, certain state laws may apply if the recipient’s locality requires any particular taxes for specific types of goods beyond that threshold.
Always verify with the specific courier and review the most current trade policies and potential state regulations, as these charges can change based on updated trade agreements or state legislation.