Term | Definition | |
Tariff | A tax on goods imported from foreign countries paid by the buyer. These are generally based on type of good, value, and quantity. | |
Import fees or duties | Broader terms for fees charged on imported goods, which typically include tariffs and other fees. | |
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. | |
Duty drawback | Duty drawbacks are refunds on duties, taxes, and fees awarded on imported goods that are later exported, or used to manufacture goods for export. | |
Keep up with the latest
Check back here for updates as we learn about changes to US tariffs and customs policy.
Buying with tariffs
If you’re importing goods into the US, you may need to pay tariffs and fees, also known as duties. Here’s what you need to know.
How we’re supporting our community
We’re here to help you navigate changing US Customs requirements and are actively monitoring updates. We’ve still got your back with protections like eBay Money Back Guarantee.
*As of May 2, 2025, all goods from China and Hong Kong are subject to duties, included in the item cost or shipping cost for goods less than $2,500.
Here’s what you can do next
Filter for goods located in the US
If you’re looking to avoid tariffs, you can filter for items that are located in the United States. To do this, enter your search term in the search bar. Then, choose Advanced, scroll down to Item location, and select US only.
Estimate any fees you may owe
See if any applicable import fees are included at checkout. If not, you may be able to calculate a rough estimate of duties you might owe.
See if you qualify for a duty refund
US Customs awards refunds on some duties, called duty drawbacks. Whether you can claim a duty refund depends on policies set by US Customs. These refunds don’t include shipping provider fees. Keep in mind, not all tariffs qualify for a refund. Learn how to start a claim on the US Customs site, or by reaching out to your shipping provider.
Selling with tariffs
Check back here or on the eBay Community for updates as they become available. We’re monitoring any delays that may impact international deliveries.
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
In some cases, your total amount will include applicable import fees. In most cases, the amount won’t be available until after your purchase, and will be requested and collected by the shipping provider. In these cases, you may be able to calculate a rough estimate of potential fees using the steps we’ve shared above.
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.
Yes, you're covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee if you've paid import fees and your item doesn't arrive, is delayed due to customs processing, or arrives not as described. However, if you refuse the package because of import fees or shipping provider charges, eBay Money Back Guarantee does not apply.
There’s no change to our order cancellation policy. Keep in mind, sellers aren’t required to accept cancellations due to unexpected import fees, customs requirements, or delivery charges from shipping providers.
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, where we’ll share the latest information on your estimated delivery date. 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’re here to support sellers as they adjust to new tariff requirements. If valid tracking shows that shipping delays were caused by customs or the shipping provider, we’ll adjust late shipment rates and remove any related defects. For negative feedback related to import fees or delivery issues, just request feedback removal and we’ll review it. Learn more about our feedback removal policy.
There’s no change to our return policy. Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable import fees, including tariffs and customs charges, and providing any required personal information. Sellers aren’t required to accept cancellation requests due to unexpected import fees, delivery requirements, or charges from shipping providers or customs.
Be transparent. Include a mention of any applicable import fees in the listing cost if your item was manufactured outside of the US, and make yourself available to answer buyers’ questions.
Please check your local eBay page: