From May 11 2020, Alibaba.com buyers based in the US will be able to see an import duty estimate for their Ready-to-Ship products before placing their orders. Import duties will still be paid directly to the local destination country customs authorities after customs clearance. (This new function will be partly released to some users starting May 11, 2020 and will be released to all US users in mid-June who place Ready-to-Ship products.)
BUYER BENEFITS：
1）Stable transactions
Orders get to their final destination smoothly, with a lower possibility of surprise fees at customs that lead to shipment abandonment.
2）Clearer transaction costs
New import duty estimates make transaction costs more transparent.
3）Better order experience
Buyers now have a better view of the full process and estimated costs, leading to fewer disputes.
Sample Transactions
For US buyer orders more than US$ 800:
The amount of import duty is estimated based on the value of your order and will not be paid at checkout on Alibaba.com. The final import duty to be charged will only be confirmed after your order has cleared customs and such import duty shall be paid directly to the local customs authorities.
For US buyer orders of US$ 800 or less:
Section 321, 19 USC 1321 sets out the de minimis principle. De minimis provides admission of articles free of duty and of any tax imposed on or by reason of importation, provided that the aggregate fair retail value in the country of shipment of articles imported by one person on one day and exempted from the payment of duty shall not exceed US$800.
See further details at: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-enforcement/tftea/section-321-programs
Note that import duty (if any) shall be paid directly to the local customs authorities.
FAQ
1. When are estimated duty quotes displayed?
Estimated duty quotes will be displayed when:
– The order is for Ready-to-Ship products
– The order originates from China and is shipped to the US.
2. Will estimated duties be included at checkout?
No, the estimated import duty is based on the value and goods in your order. Duties are not collected by Alibaba.com at checkout. All duty payments should be made directly to local customs authorities after customs clearance.