📦 U.S. Tariff Policy Change: What It Means for You and Your Orders

What’s Changing

As of May 2, 2025, the United States will cancel the T86 tax-free policy (also known as the de minimis exemption) for shipments originating from China and Hong Kong. This change is part of a wider customs enforcement adjustment and will affect how packages under $800 in value are treated upon entry into the U.S.

Previously, small parcels valued under $800 were allowed to enter duty-free, streamlining the process for e-commerce orders and personal imports. However, with this new policy in place, even low-value shipments may now be taxed or held by customs.

New Duty Rates for Postal Packages:

• Starting May 2: Parcels from China or Hong Kong will be taxed at 120% of the declared value or $100 (whichever is higher).
  (Previous rates: 30%–90%, or $25–$75)
• Starting June 1: Increases to 120% of the declared value or $200.
• Reciprocal Tariffs: Additional Chinese import tariffs could push total fees up to 245%.

Key Impacts for You

1. Higher Costs: A USD 200 watch could incur up to USD 490 in duties alone.
2. Longer Delivery Times: Customs inspections and paperwork can delay delivery by days or even weeks.
3. Your Responsibility: U.S. Customs charges the importer of record (you), not the seller. Unpaid duties can result in returned or destroyed packages.

Our Recommendation

• Pause New Orders: Wait until our DDP service is ready to avoid unexpected fees.
• Track In-Transit Shipments: If arriving after May 2, be prepared for customs notices.
• Budget Ahead: If shipping now, plan for possible 245% total duties.

📉 Our Current Advice: Pause New Orders

At this time, due to the sudden change and lack of stable, tax-included logistics solutions for the U.S. market, we do not recommend placing new orders if you are located in the United States.

While we understand this is inconvenient, we believe it is better to wait until:

• The situation becomes more stable and predictable
• We can confirm a reliable shipping method that includes tax prepayment or DDP

Our team is actively working with our logistics partners to develop a compliant, tax-included shipping channel. Once this is ready, we’ll make an official announcement and reopen orders for U.S. customers.

💬 Our Perspective: Navigating Uncertainty with You

We believe in honest communication with our customers. This U.S. customs policy shift is one of the most impactful changes in recent years — and it’s happening with very short notice.

It creates uncertainty not just for you, but also for small brands like us that rely on transparent, fair global trade. We encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media so you won’t miss any important updates.

✅ What You Can Do Now

• Hold off on new purchases until we release an updated shipping plan.
• Check your tracking numbers: If your order will arrive after May 2, be ready for possible customs contact.
• Be prepared to pay import taxes if your order is affected.
• Contact us with any concerns about in-transit orders.

🔗 Stay Connected

We’ll continue to share updates on this matter through our official blog and email channels. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate this challenge together.

San Martin Watch & JIANGHUN Watch
Your trusted watch brand – crafted with precision, delivered with care.

📧 For questions, please contact: jianghunwatches@gmail.com