2025 U.S. Tariff Update (Historical) | Watchdives

Historical announcement — current shipping guidance: This article preserves an earlier announcement. The dated rates, delivery estimates and service coverage below are historical and should not be used for a new order. All U.S. orders include applicable import duties, including available express services. See our current U.S. Shipping & Import Duties Guide and checkout for available methods, costs and estimates.

Dear Customers,

This historical announcement discussed U.S. customs changes and Watchdives shipping arrangements in 2025. Its rates and shipping instructions are not current purchasing guidance.

📦 What’s New?

Starting May 2, 2025, the U.S. government has canceled the T86 tax exemption policy (also known as the de minimis rule) for all imported goods from China and Hong Kong, regardless of value.

Previously, packages under $800 USD could enter the U.S. duty-free, making international e-commerce smooth and cost-effective. However, under the new rules, even small personal orders may now be taxed or delayed by customs.

💰 Updated Duty Rates for Postal Shipments

From May 2, 2025: Packages from China or Hong Kong will be taxed at 120% of the declared value or $100 — whichever is higher
(Previously: 30%–90%, or $25–$75)
From June 1, 2025: The minimum increases to 120% or $200, whichever is higher
Reciprocal Measures: If China enforces counter-tariffs, total import costs may reach up to 245% of the declared value

⚠️ Historical Concerns Discussed in 2025

Current U.S. Orders: Import Duties Included
Watchdives covers applicable import duties for U.S. orders including available express shipping.
Longer Delivery Times
Packages may be delayed by customs inspections or paperwork.
Unpredictable Charges
Customs fees may vary depending on product value, category, and your state’s regulations.

🔧 What Watchdives Is Doing to Help

At Watchdives, we’re taking immediate action to minimize the impact of this new policy on your experience:

✅ 1. Tax-Inclusive Shipping Options

At the time, we introduced a duty-paid shipping channel to the U.S., allowing you to:

Pay a small extra shipping fee
Avoid surprise customs charges
Skip the hassle of customs clearance

➡️ Historical shipping option:
"Taxes Included - Shipping Post (6–10 business days)"
The original announcement described this option as a way to receive an order without extra fees.

🚚Tax-inclusive postal service coverage: All over the United States, excluding overseas addresses such as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.; APO/FPO military addresses.

🏢 2. Expanding Our U.S. Warehouse Inventory

We are actively:

Shipping more watches to our U.S.-based warehouse
Planning to fulfill more orders domestically (within the U.S.) to completely bypass international customs fees

🚚 A new shipment is already on its way to the U.S., and we’ll update our site as soon as products become available — stay tuned!

⚠️🚚 Current Note About Express Shipping

If you choose FedEx/DHL Express as your shipping method, please note:

For current U.S. orders, Watchdives covers applicable import duties, including available express services. Customers may need to provide customs-clearance information.
For current shipping methods and estimates, please refer to our U.S. Shipping & Import Duties Guide to avoid unexpected costs and delays.

For FedEx shipments, our customer service team can assist with questions about the available shipping method.
If a carrier unexpectedly requests an import-duty payment, please contact Watchdives before paying so we can check the shipment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!