US Sales Tax vs. US Import Fees

We don’t charge US state sales tax. Since the US now treats most imports as taxable at the border, we may pre-collect “Import Fees (US CBP)” at checkout so there’s nothing due on delivery and your parcel moves fast.

  • No US sales tax on this site
  • Pre-collected import fees (when needed)
  • Clear, on-time delivery
What it is

US Sales Tax

State/local retail tax collected mainly by US-based sellers or marketplaces (eBay, Amazon, Etsy). We ship from outside the US, so no US sales tax is added on this site.

What it is

US Import Fees

Charges at the border when goods enter the US. They include customs duty (based on HS code & origin) and carrier clearance fees (DHL/FedEx/Postal partner processing). CBP makes the final decision at entry.

Why import fees show up (even on small orders)

  • The prior “de minimis” duty-free rule has been suspended in the US.
  • Result: most imports—regardless of value—may have duties/fees.
  • To prevent courier invoices and delays, we may pre-collect the estimated fees and pass them to the carrier to pay CBP on your behalf.

What you’ll see at checkout

  • Products total
  • Shipping (Economy: Quantium/SingPost · Expedited: DHL/FedEx)
  • Import Fees (US CBP) — shown only when we pre-collect so nothing is due at delivery

Estimated Import-Fee Breakdown (DR’s Secret Bio Herbs Coffee)

Planning estimates only — not tax advice. CBP/carrier make the final assessment and schedules can change.

Duty components (apply together):
• HS 2101.12.9000 (coffee preparations) ≈ 8.5%
• Reciprocal tariff for Malaysia (origin) ≈ 19%
Estimated total duty rate used for quotes ≈ 27.5%

Fixed / semi-fixed

MPF (informal entries < USD 2,500): $2.69

Carrier

Disbursement/Advancement: ~$4.50 (may scale)

Carrier

US inbound processing: ~$2.50 (≈ MYR 11.10)

Rule-of-thumb formula
Estimated Import Fees ≈ (Declared Value × 27.5%) + $2.69 + ~$4.50 + $2.50

Examples

Declared value Duty (27.5%) + MPF 2.69 + Disb. ~4.50 + Inbound 2.50 Est. total
$100$27.50$30.19$34.69$37.19$37.19
$150$41.25$43.94$48.44$50.94$50.94
$200$55.00$57.69$62.19$64.69$64.69

For values ≥ USD 2,500, MPF rules differ; we’ll estimate accordingly before shipping.

How We Assist You — Price-Certainty Promise

We work closely with our courier partners (DHL, FedEx, Quantium/SingPost) to keep your costs as low as legally possible and your delivery smooth.

What we do
  • Pre-clearance estimate: we obtain the lowest lawful estimate using HS 2101.12.9000 + Malaysia origin (incl. reciprocal tariff).
  • Compliant paperwork: accurate value, clear descriptions & correct Incoterms.
  • One line at checkout: when helpful we pre-collect Import Fees (US CBP) so you pay nothing at delivery.
Our promise
  • If CBP/carrier charges more than we pre-collected, we cover the difference.
  • If the final assessment is lower, we’ll refund the difference after we receive the carrier’s statement.

We never misdeclare or under-state values. This promise applies to pre-collected import fees for the original shipment (excludes storage after failed delivery, consignee-requested changes, inspections, or returns).

FAQs

Do you charge US sales tax?
No. We ship from outside the US; no US sales tax is added on this site.
If you pre-collect import fees, will DHL/FedEx bill me again?
No. When we pre-collect, the courier clears with CBP using the funds we advanced—nothing is due at delivery.
Why didn’t I see “Import Fees (US CBP)” at checkout?
If pre-collection isn’t required for your order/method, the courier may bill you directly if CBP assesses fees on arrival.
Why do marketplace orders (eBay/Amazon/Etsy) look different?
Marketplaces may collect state sales tax and/or an import-fees deposit under their own policies.
Can I get import fees back if I cancel?
If the order hasn’t shipped, we refund the product, shipping, and any pre-collected import fees. After clearance, import fees are generally non-refundable.

This page is general guidance; CBP has final authority at the border.

Need help with a specific order? We’re happy to explain any fee on your checkout or label.

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