Are There Duties on Imports Into the United States?

One of the most common questions that comes up during U.S. imports is simple: Are there duties on this shipment?

Some imports arrive with no duty. Others trigger charges that people did not expect.

This post explains when duties apply to imports into the United States and why the answer depends on more than just the shipment value.

Duties Often Depend on the Product

U.S. Customs does not apply duties uniformly. Duties depend heavily on:

• What the product is
• What it's made of (steel, copper, iron or aluminum can increase tariff exposure) 
• How it is classified
• Where it comes from (country of origin) 
• How it enters the country
• Whether trade remedies or special tariff programs apply

Two shipments with the same value can face very different duty outcomes because they contain different goods. Duty rates are determined by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Why Similar Shipments Can Have Different Duty Results

Many imports surprise people because shipments similar to them receive different treatment. This happens when:

• Products fall under different HTS classifications
• Goods qualify for different tariff treatment
• Values reported are higher or lower 
• Country of origin differs 
• Items are subject to derivative tariffs  
• Documentation explains one shipment more clearly than another
• One shipment qualifies for a free trade agreement while another does not

Classification plays a central role in how duties apply. Even small differences in product composition can change the applicable duty rate.

Value Alone Does Not Decide Duty

A common assumption links low value with no duty. In reality, U.S. Customs reviews:

• Product classification
• Declared value
• Country of origin 
• Supporting documentation
• Entry type and compliance factors
• Whether de minimis or other special entry provisions apply

Low value does not automatically remove duty exposure. Even low-value shipments may be subject to tariffs depending on current trade measures.

How Classification Drives Duty Rates

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) determines duty rates for imports. Classification defines:

• Whether duty applies
• How much duty applies
• Whether additional tariffs affect the shipment
• Whether antidumping, countervailing duties, or IEEPA tariffs apply

Incorrect or unclear classification often leads to unexpected duty assessments. If CBP reclassifies the goods, it may assess additional duties and interest.

Why Duties Appear Late in the Process

Duties often feel unexpected because:

• The shipment already crossed the border
• Clearance seemed close to completion
• The final classification review happened late
• Customs asked follow-up questions
• Customs does not agree with the declared classification and is requesting payment of additional duty

Duties usually become clear only after customs completes review. Physical arrival does not finalize duty liability—classification and review do.

Documentation Plays a Role in Duty Decisions

Customs relies on documentation to correctly apply duties. Duty issues arise when:

• Product descriptions stay vague
• Invoices lack detail
• Classification lacks support
• Documents conflict with each other
• Country-of-origin information is incomplete or inconsistent

Clear documentation supports accurate duty assessment. Incomplete documentation may trigger reassessment or additional review.

Some Imports Face Additional Tariff Exposure

Certain products face a higher duty because of:

• Tariff measures tied to product category
• Trade-related duties
• Imports from “non-favourable” countries of origin, such as Russia 
• Classification-specific rules
• Country-of-origin trade remedies such as Section 301, Section 232, or other special measures

These charges often surprise people who only expected base duty. Additional tariffs can significantly increase total landed cost beyond standard duty rates.

The Most Important Takeaway

Duties do apply to many imports into the United States. Duty exposure depends on:

• Product classification
• Supporting documentation
• Compliance clarity
• Tariff treatment
• Country of origin and trade program eligibility

Understanding these factors early prevents cost surprises later. Accurate classification is the foundation of accurate duty calculation.

Want to Estimate Duties Before Shipping?

Knowing duty exposure before shipping makes planning easier. Advance duty estimates help prevent unexpected cost increases at the border.

Use the BorderBuddy duty and tax calculator to get a quote. It helps you estimate expected import duties, taxes and fees, potential tariff-related charges, and total landed cost before shipping.

BorderBuddy’s calculator also uses AI to help classify goods with the correct HTS classification, which determines duty rates on U.S. imports. Accurate classification reduces both financial exposure and compliance risk.

What to Read Next

People asking about duties often ask next:

• How are duties calculated on U.S. imports? (coming soon)
• Why does U.S. Customs reassess value? (coming soon)
• What happens if duties are not paid? (coming soon)
• How to avoid surprise import charges? (coming soon)

Still Need Help With Your Import?

If you still didn’t find what you were looking for, BorderBuddy is here to help.

• Call us at 1 (877) 409-8163
• Or email us anytime at service@borderbuddy.com

Our team can help you get clear answers and avoid delays at the border. In U.S. imports, duty exposure is determined by classification—not just shipment value.