Duties on US Shipments

FAQ: Why Are Duties Charged on Canadian Book Shipments to the U.S.?

Are books subject to U.S. import duties?

No. Printed books are generally duty-free when imported into the United States, including books printed in Canada.

Then why do customers still see “duties” or extra charges?

Because even when duty is 0%, shipments can still incur:

  • U.S. customs processing fees

  • Courier brokerage or clearance fees

  • State sales tax, depending on the destination

Couriers often group these under a single line item labeled “duties & taxes,” even when no actual tariff is charged.

Why do Canadian businesses charge these fees upfront?

Many businesses pre-charge estimated duties and fees to:

  • Prevent surprise bills on delivery

  • Avoid refused or returned packages

  • Reduce delays caused by unpaid customs charges

Charging upfront helps ensure smooth delivery and predictable costs for both the seller and the customer.

Does the U.S. de minimis threshold mean no charges apply?

No. As of August 29, 2025, the U.S. de minimis threshold (formerly USD $800) no longer applies to most commercial shipments. The exemption was eliminated in 2025, meaning that:

  • All commercial imports are subject to customs processing, regardless of value

  • Applicable duties (if any), taxes, and clearance procedures may apply

Even when the duty rate on books is 0%, customs declarations and courier clearance fees are still required, so charges can still appear.

Are these charges set by the Canadian seller?

Usually not. These fees are imposed by U.S. customs procedures and courier policies, not by the Canadian business. Sellers often act as intermediaries to collect them in advance.