California Shoppers Face Unexpected Import Fees Amid Tariff Changes
Online shoppers in California are encountering unexpected import fees due to recent changes in U.S. tariff policy. Ventura County resident Carlos Soto experienced this firsthand when he ordered a Liverpool Football Club jersey for his son. Upon delivery, he was confronted with an additional charge of $107 that he had not anticipated. “The UPS guy said he couldn’t release it unless I paid more,” said Soto, who owns the Historia Bakery Cafe in Thousand Oaks.
This shift in consumer experience stems from a decision made by former President Donald Trump in August 2023, which reversed a longstanding tariff exemption known as de minimis. Previously, goods valued at less than $800 could enter the United States duty-free, allowing for seamless online shopping for millions of Americans. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the de minimis threshold applied to over 1.3 billion packages sent to the U.S. in 2024.
The backlash against these new fees is evident across social media platforms, where many consumers are sharing their frustrations. Reports of excessive charges for everyday items have surfaced, with one Reddit user noting a staggering $4,700 fee for a specialized desk chair from Bulgaria. As the new tariff regime takes hold, package delivery companies like UPS, FedEx, and DHL have been working to inform customers about the implications of these changes.
Despite this effort, many consumers remain confused. UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer explained that if shippers or receivers do not pay necessary duties and taxes, UPS generates a bill to facilitate the release of the shipment from Customs. “Our brokerage services are designed to ensure shipments comply with regulations,” Mayer added.
Mark Hartlidge, a compliance manager at UPS, described the transition as a “rollercoaster ride” during a recent webinar. He noted that anyone importing goods to the United States is likely affected by the new policy changes. While large companies can adapt more readily, smaller businesses often struggle to provide clear information regarding additional costs.
Washington, D.C., resident David Herr encountered a similar surprise when he ordered an auto part from Belgium for around $200. He was unprepared for the hefty charge of $493 presented by the delivery driver. “It’s kind of awkward how the fees are collected,” Herr remarked. “There’s not a lot of clarity on who’s collecting them and where they’re going.”
Retailers are also feeling the impact of these changes. The popular fast fashion website Shein, based in Singapore, promotes a guarantee that the checkout price is final, alleviating concerns over additional charges. Another retailer, Temu, assures customers that no import charges will apply for local warehouse items.
Consumer sentiment is shifting as a result of these unexpected costs. Meg Moore, an avid online shopper from the Chicago area, has reconsidered her purchasing habits. She hesitated to buy a beauty product advent calendar priced at $365, anticipating an additional $100 in tariffs.
The de minimis rule, which has been in place since 1938, aimed to encourage trade by simplifying the customs process. Over the years, lawmakers have gradually increased the duty-free threshold from $1 to $800, leading to a significant rise in packages entering the U.S. without tariffs. Trump criticized the exemption as a “scam” that undermined American businesses, prompting the elimination of the loophole first for goods from China in May before extending it to all other countries in August.
Despite the changes, certain items such as documents and gifts valued under $100 remain exempt from import taxes. Soto is now considering searching for a Liverpool jersey locally in California, but he is still awaiting the refund for the jersey he returned. “When it comes to politics and government, I’ve always kind of turned away from it,” he said. “But this time it actually hurt my pocket.”
