Term | Definition | |
Tariff | A tax on goods imported from foreign countries paid by the buyer. | |
Duties | A broader term for fees charged on imported goods, which typically includes tariffs and other fees. These are generally based on type of good, value, and quantity. | |
Import | Bringing goods into a country from another country. | |
Export | Sending goods from one country to another. | |
Formal entry | The customs process of getting imported goods approved or cleared for delivery. | |
De minimis | Defines the limit below which imported goods won’t need to be charged duties and taxes. | |
Most recent updates
We want to keep you informed about what to expect and how we’re supporting our customers. Check back here for the most recent changes to the US tariffs and customs policy.
Tariffs, duties, and fees
Due to new government policy, US customers who import goods over $800 from other countries may need to pay tariffs and fees, also known as duties. Tariffs, which vary by country, are usually calculated as a percentage of the shipment's price. Tariffs are based on the country where an item was manufactured, not the country from which an item was shipped.
Additional processing fees may be charged by the shipping provider (e.g. UPS or DHL) or US Customs, and often range from $10-$30. You may be contacted by your shipping provider about duties and fees by email, text, phone call, letter, or upon delivery. It’s important to check that the message you receive is from the shipping provider. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
We’ve still got you covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee if your item is delayed due to customs processing. Keep in mind, eBay Money Back Guarantee won’t apply if you decline to pay duties or complete customs formal entry forms.
Buying with tariffs
New US import requirements mean you may be asked to pay tariffs and fees on certain high-value shipments.
*Effective May 2, 2025, goods of any value from China and Hong Kong will be subject to duties, and shipments over $250 may require your nine-digit Social Security number before delivery.
How import requirements are determined
The total shipment price, shipping costs of all your items (excluding taxes), and the country you’re importing from determine import requirements. You may be asked to pay duties and fees or share personal info, such as your nine-digit Social Security number, with your shipping provider.
Selling with tariffs
Here’s what we know so far on how changes to trade policies will impact selling.
Stay updated on the latest regulations
Check back here or on the eBay Community for updates as they become available. We’re monitoring any delays that may impact international deliveries.
Helpful links
Here’s where you can find more information about shipping providers, US Customs, and more.
FAQs
For US buyers
Shipping providers will often collect any necessary customs information or duties at the point of delivery—alongside brokerage fees or other potential surcharges. The shipping provider may contact you about duties and fees by email, text, phone call, letter, or upon delivery. Before providing payment or personal information, make sure the message you receive is from the shipping provider. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
You’re covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee if you’ve paid duties and fees and don’t receive your item, it’s delayed due to customs processing, or if you receive an item that’s not as described. In the event you refuse a package due to duties or shipping provider fees, eBay Money Back Guarantee won’t apply.
There’s no change to eBay’s cancellation policy. It’s important to note that sellers aren’t obligated to accept cancellation requests due to unexpected duties, delivery requirements, or shipping provider and customs fees.
We’re doing our best to monitor delays to provide you with an accurate expected delivery date. However, there may be unexpected delays beyond our, or the seller’s, control.
We recommend tracking your order’s delivery status through your Purchase history. If the seller is using a tracked service, you’ll see the item’s tracking number as a link next to the item.
Please check eBay help pages in your country.
For US sellers
Our focus is on promoting policies that support small businesses and entrepreneurs. To help navigate these changes, we're working to build and expand solutions to support sellers. If you’re an eligible US seller, you can use our managed shipping service, which takes care of all elements of international shipping and returns on your behalf. Learn more about eBay International Shipping.
We'll take steps to protect sellers as they adjust to these new tariffs and requirements. This includes adjusting late shipment rates when valid tracking shows problems were caused by shipping delays, and removing associated defects. For negative feedback related to tariffs, just request feedback removal and we can help. Learn more about our feedback removal policy.
There’s no changes to our return policy. The buyer is responsible for paying tariffs and associated fees, and for providing personal information, if required. Sellers aren’t obligated to accept cancellation requests from buyers due to unexpected tariffs, delivery requirements, or shipping provider or customs fees.
Please check eBay help pages in your country.