Recommended Free Tools
In February 2025, U.S. shoppers told WIRED they were asked to pay between $20 and more than $50 to receive packages from China. Those were individual reports during the first days of a policy change—not a standard fee or a current price list. Since then, U.S. rules have changed again: as of August 29, 2025, low-value shipments generally no longer qualify for de minimis duty-free treatment, but the amount due still depends on the shipment and how it enters the country.
What shoppers reported in February 2025
WIRED reported that shoppers had received import-charge requests ranging from $20 to more than $50 in the 24 hours before its February 5, 2025 article. In one example, DHL requested $26.20 for a Shein order costing $267.14. In another, UPS requested $52.22 on a $30 order, according to a Canadian board-game-accessory seller. These are reported cases, not official rates or a representative sample; they do not establish what a similar parcel would cost today. WIRED’s February 2025 report also described a shared DHL breakdown in which most of one requested amount went to processing costs rather than tariffs.
Why a carrier may ask for money before delivery
A payment request can include more than government import duty. Depending on the route and shipment, it may include duty or other applicable taxes and fees, alongside a carrier’s processing or brokerage charge. The total on a carrier notice is therefore not necessarily all tariff revenue, and a historical example should not be treated as a tariff rate.
Check whether the seller collected import charges at checkout, and compare the carrier notice with the order receipt. If charges were not collected in advance, a carrier or postal operator may seek payment as part of the delivery process. The available guidance does not establish a single fee schedule for every carrier or parcel.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
What changed after the 2025 reports
CBP says that effective August 29, 2025, an executive order suspended de minimis treatment for low-value shipments valued at or below $800 from all countries, subject to exceptions. Such shipments may now be subject to applicable duties, taxes, and fees. This is a broad rule context, not a promise that every parcel incurs the same charge: exceptions and other trade measures can apply, and the amount depends on the goods and entry route. See CBP’s guidance on low-value shipments and e-commerce.
CBP’s February 2026 guidance for international mail describes postal shipments as subject to applicable IEEPA tariffs. It also describes a temporary specific-duty alternative and says shipments would have to use the ad valorem method beginning February 28, 2026. That procedural guidance does not establish a single current China-specific rate for every product. The applicable treatment for a particular parcel must be verified using its details and current official instructions. CBP’s international-mail guidance explains the postal process.
Rank #2
- Ideal for Gifting
- Ideal for a bookworm
- Compact for travelling
Why two packages can receive different bills
- Mail or express carrier: Postal shipments and non-postal shipments follow different procedures. CBP says non-postal entries must be filed using an appropriate entry type by a qualified party; postal shipments have separate duty and payment arrangements.
- Country of origin: The place a parcel ships from is not necessarily where the product was made. CBP identifies origin as one factor in assessing duty on mailed goods.
- Value and product details: Declared value and tariff classification can affect the assessment. A product-specific amount cannot be reliably inferred from the country printed on a shipping label alone.
- Government charges versus carrier charges: Duty and any applicable processing fees are distinct from a private carrier’s brokerage or handling charges. Review an itemized notice rather than assuming the entire total is a tariff.
- Checkout and delivery terms: Whether the seller collected import charges at checkout affects whether a later carrier payment request is unexpected. Compare the checkout record with the delivery notice.
How to review or challenge a charge
- Match the request to the order. Confirm the tracking number, seller, item, declared value, delivery route, and any import charges shown on the checkout receipt.
- Ask for an itemized assessment. Identify which amounts are government duty or fees and which are carrier processing, brokerage, or handling charges. Ask the carrier or postal operator how to query its own fees.
- Check the applicable CBP instructions. For mailed goods, CBP says duty assessment can depend on details such as value and origin. Its guidance says duty and processing fees are typically paid at the local post office and describes a way to protest a duty determination before paying. Review the current instructions at CBP’s international-mail page and CBP’s low-value shipment guidance.
- Keep the records. Save the order confirmation, proof of payment, carrier notice, and any explanation of the assessment. These details help the carrier or CBP address a question about a specific parcel.
CBP’s June 2026 mail-fee guidance says USPS may require a handling fee and CBP may charge a handling fee if duty is owed. It does not set one universal fee for all mailed parcels. Read CBP’s international-mail fee guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not assume refusal or rerouting will solve it
The outcome of refusing delivery or leaving a request unpaid can depend on the seller’s terms, carrier procedure, and parcel route; the cited guidance does not establish one outcome for every shipment. Ask the seller and carrier what happens before deciding. Do not misstate a product’s origin or route it through another country to avoid charges: WIRED’s explainer describes tariff evasion by transshipment as illegal. WIRED’s explainer on transshipment and tariff evasion provides further context.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- It can be a gift option
- Comes with secure packaging
- Helpful in various ways
Rank #4
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.
