United States - Shipping & Customs
International Shipping & Customs – What You Need to Know
We’re excited to ship our products to customers in the United States! To ensure a smooth delivery process, here’s everything you need to know about customs duties, taxes, shipping timelines, and returns. We are based in Sweden and ship our products from here.
1. Customs Duties & Import Fees
Since your order is coming from outside the US, it may be subject to import duties, taxes, and brokerage fees. These charges are determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and depend on:
- The value of your order
- The type of goods you are purchasing
- US import regulations
Who Pays for These Charges?
Customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, or import fees. These are **not included at checkout** and, if applicable, will be collected by the courier upon delivery.
How Are Duties & Taxes Calculated?
- Orders under $800 (the US "de minimis" threshold) are duty-free and will not incur customs charges.
- Orders over $800 may be subject to duties and taxes based on the product category and customs classification.
- Some couriers (like DHL, UPS, and FedEx) may charge an additional brokerage fee for processing the customs clearance.
Note: Recent U.S. customs changes primarily affect shipments from China and Hong Kong. Since we ship your order from Sweden, the $800 duty-free threshold still applies to your purchase.
What Happens If Customs Charges Apply?
- If your order exceeds $800, US Customs may assess duties.
- The courier will notify you if payment is required before delivery.
- If customs duties are unpaid, your package may be held, returned, or delayed.
Example: If you order $750 worth of products, you won’t pay import duties. If your order is $1,200, you may be subject to customs charges depending on the product classification.
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2. VAT (Value Added Tax) – Does It Apply to US Orders?
Good news! No VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged on orders shipped to the US Prices displayed on our website are exclusive of VAT since VAT only applies to purchases within the EU.
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3. Delivery Process & Timelines
We aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible! Here’s what to expect:
Estimated Shipping Times
Standard shipping: 7-14 business days
Tracking Your Order: Once your package ships, you’ll receive a tracking link via email so you can follow its journey.
Possible Delays
While we strive to meet the estimated timelines, customs processing can occasionally cause delays. If your package is held at customs, it may take additional time for clearance.
Tip: If your tracking shows "Held at Customs," check your email or contact the courier for any required actions.
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4. Who Pays for What?
Included at Checkout: Product price + shipping fee
Not Included at Checkout: Import duties, taxes, or courier brokerage fees (if applicable)
Customs duties and taxes must be paid separately upon delivery if applicable. If your order is below the $800 threshold, you will likely not have to pay anything extra.
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5. Return Policy – What Happens If You Need to Return an Item?
We understand that sometimes a return is necessary. Here’s what you need to know:
- Customers are responsible for return shipping costs. Read more about returns here
- Customs duties and taxes are non-refundable once paid. If you refuse a shipment due to unexpected fees, the return shipping and any additional charges will be deducted from your refund.
Example: If you receive an order and decide to return it, you’ll need to cover the shipping costs. If you paid customs duties, those are not refundable through us, but you may be able to request a refund from US Customs.
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6. FAQs & Common Concerns
Q: Will I always have to pay import duties?
A: If your order is under $800, no duties apply. For orders above $800, US Customs may charge duties based on product classification.
Q: How will I know if I need to pay customs fees?
A: The courier will contact you if payment is required before delivery.
Q: What should I do if my package is stuck in customs?
A: Check your email or tracking number for any requests from the courier. You may need to provide additional information or pay customs fees.
Q: Can I refuse to pay customs fees and return my order?
A: If you refuse to pay customs duties, the package may be returned to us. In such cases, the return shipping cost and any handling fees will be deducted from your refund.
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We hope this guide helps you shop with confidence! If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service team at info@bhbd.com. We’re happy to help!