Recommended Free Tools
Possibly—but 25% is not a blanket price increase for every cellular M2M module, LTE-M device, or NB-IoT product. U.S. tariff exposure depends on the item’s customs classification, country of origin, date of entry, and whether an exclusion applies. Even when a duty is assessed, the importer may absorb it, share it with customers, or pass through more or less than the duty amount.
What the 25% tariff covers—and what it does not
A January 2026 White House proclamation set a 25% ad valorem duty for specified advanced computing chips and derivative products, effective January 15, 2026, subject to exclusions. The proclamation says, “Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, imports of Covered Products will be subject to a 25 percent ad valorem duty rate.” U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance describes a “25 percent additional ad valorem duty” for covered semiconductor imports and explains the relevant tariff headings and additional-duty process.
That does not establish that every cellular M2M module is a covered product. A cellular module may contain electronic components, but that fact alone does not determine its tariff classification or whether a semiconductor-related measure applies. The available information does not establish one universal classification or tariff treatment for LTE-M or NB-IoT modules. A buyer needs the specific product’s classification and origin, checked against the measures in effect for its entry.
There can also be separate tariff measures. In a distinct customs ruling, CBP classified a China-origin fixed-wireless broadband router under HTSUS 8517.62.0020, which had a general duty rate of free. The ruling noted that a separate additional 25% China tariff under Chapter 99 could apply unless an exclusion was available. That router ruling is an example of why a “free” general rate does not necessarily mean no additional duty—and it does not, by itself, classify a different module or gateway.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
Why a 25% duty does not mean a 25% retail-price increase
A duty is a customs charge on an import under the applicable rules, not a mandated percentage increase in the price paid by every buyer. The importer of record may absorb the cost, pass some of it on, or pass it through alongside other cost changes. Distributor pricing, shipping, inventory purchased before a tariff took effect, and the customs value used to calculate the duty can all affect the final quote.
For scale only, if a hypothetical shipment had a customs value of $32.36 per module and a 25% duty applied to that full value, the duty would be $8.09 per unit. That would make the value plus the hypothetical duty $40.45 before freight and other costs. This is not a prediction of a U.S. selling price: a catalog unit price is not necessarily the customs value, and the example assumes the product is covered and no exclusion applies.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
DigiKey’s 2026 catalog listed the Telit Cinterion ME310M1W203T030100 LTE Cat-M/NB-IoT module at $32.36 per unit and warned that a tariff may apply when shipping to the United States. The listing is a dated catalog reference, not a guaranteed current price or a post-tariff quote. Telit announced on January 6, 2025 that the ME310M1-W1 had approvals from two major U.S. operators and global band support; buyers should still verify the exact variant, carrier requirements, and availability for their deployment.
What determines tariff exposure on a specific device?
- HTSUS classification: The tariff code determines which general rate and additional measures may be relevant. A product’s marketing name or radio standard is not enough to establish its classification.
- Country of origin: Origin can trigger a separate country-specific measure. It is not necessarily the same as the country from which a distributor ships the item.
- Entry date: The measures in force when goods enter U.S. customs territory can matter. A purchase order date or delivery estimate alone does not establish the applicable rate.
- Exclusions and trade treatment: Some measures have exclusions or other qualifying treatment. Eligibility depends on the product and the applicable legal terms; do not assume an exclusion applies without confirmation.
- Importer and transaction terms: The importer of record and the quote’s shipping and duty terms affect who pays customs charges and how they may show up in the buyer’s price.
DigiKey’s tariff tracker records a 10% all-country tariff beginning April 5, 2025; 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico beginning in February 2025; and a 10% Section 122 tariff beginning February 24, 2026, alongside exemptions and rate changes. Those entries illustrate how rates and exceptions can change over time; they are not, on their own, confirmation that a particular rate applies to a particular module or remains applicable to a shipment today. Confirm the current treatment for the product and entry date with the importer, customs broker, or current CBP guidance.
How to estimate the landed cost before ordering
- Get the exact product details. Record the manufacturer, full part number, product description, manufacturing origin, and intended use. Do not rely only on a listing that says “LTE-M,” “NB-IoT,” or “router.”
- Ask for the proposed tariff classification. Request the HTSUS classification and any applicable Chapter 99 classification from the U.S. importer or its customs broker. Ask which facts support the classification; a related product’s ruling is not automatically transferable.
- Check the measures for origin and entry date. Have the importer or broker confirm applicable additional duties, effective dates, and any exclusion or preferential treatment for the shipment. If the shipment date may move, ask how a changed entry date would affect the estimate.
- Request a landed-cost quote. Ask whether the quote includes duties, freight, brokerage, and other import charges, and identify who is importer of record. Compare total cost rather than applying a tariff percentage directly to a catalog price.
- Recheck before shipment. Tariff measures and exclusions can change. Confirm the classification, rate, and quote assumptions close to entry rather than treating an earlier estimate as fixed.
How to compare modules and gateways when costs may change
A lower listed unit price may not produce the lower-cost deployment if a different device has a less favorable customs treatment, needs redesign, or lacks the certifications and carrier support the project requires. Compare the purchase and operational implications together:
| Comparison item | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Tariff classification and origin | Proposed HTSUS and any additional tariff classification, country of origin, entry date, and confirmed exclusion or preferential treatment, if applicable. |
| Price and landed cost | Current supplier quote, customs value assumptions, freight, brokerage, duties, and whether the quote is delivered duty paid or leaves import charges to the buyer. |
| Connectivity | Whether the specific model supports the required LTE-M, NB-IoT, or 5G technology and the bands used in the target deployment. |
| Carrier and regulatory readiness | Current U.S. operator approvals and required certifications for the exact hardware and configuration. |
| Availability and lead time | Confirmed stock, replenishment timing, and whether the supplier can honor the quoted terms if tariffs or entry dates change. |
| Lifecycle and security support | Expected product support, firmware and security update arrangements, and the cost and effort of replacing or redesigning the device. |
Counterpoint Research reported that global cellular IoT module shipments grew 15% year over year in 2025 and said some customers accelerated orders ahead of potential module price increases. That is a demand signal, not evidence that U.S. retail module prices rose—or will rise—by 25%.
Rank #4
What buyers should budget for
For personal or small-business purchasing, treat the 25% figure as a possible duty in covered cases, not as a reliable markup to add to every listed price. For larger deployments, ask the supplier and importer to quote more than one tariff scenario if classification, exclusion eligibility, or the entry date is unresolved. Keep the scenario assumptions in writing, because a change in origin, shipment timing, or customs treatment can change the landed-cost estimate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
