At The Musicians Club, we aim to deliver the best musical instruments and products to musicians around the world. However, if you’re purchasing from outside from the United States, your order may be subject to customs duties and taxes. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid any surprises.
What are Customs and Duties?
Customs duties are taxed imposed on goods imported into a country, and they are calculated based on the value, type, and country of origin of the products. These fees are collected by the government of the importing country and must be paid by the buyer.
As the buyer, you are responsible for paying any customs duties and taxes imposed by your local authorities when your order arrives in your country. These fees are not included in the price of the items or shipping costs at checkout.
U.S. Customs Regulations
For customers in the United States, all goods imported are regulated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP enforces customs laws and ensures that all duties and taxes are collected. Here’s how it works:
• Purchases under $800 USD: If your order is valued at $800 USD or less, it generally qualifies for duty-free import under U.S. law
• Purchases exceeding $800 USD: If the total value of your order exceeds $800 USD, the package will be processed by U.S. Customs. This means it will inspected and may incur custom duties, taxes and additional processing fees.
Additional Charge for Orders Over $800 USD
If your purchase exceeds $800 USD, your order may be subject to the following additional charges:
• Customs Duties: These are calculated based on the product type (e.g., trumpets, amplifiers, accessories) and classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Each type of musical product has its own tariff rate, depending on the material and country of manufacture.
• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): This fee applies to goods over $800 USD and is calculated as 0.3464% of the total declared value of the shipment, with a minimum fee of $29.66 and a maximum fee of $575.35
• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): If your shipment arrives via sea freight, an additional fee of 0.125% of the shipment’s value may be charged.
• State Sales Tax: Depending on the state in the U.S., local sales tax might also be applied to the total cost of your order including shipping.
How to Pay Customs Duties and Fees
If your order requires customs clearance, your shipping carrier (such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS) will typically handle the customs process for you. They will pay the duties and taxes on your behalf to expediate delivery and then bill you for these fees. This must be paid before your package can be delivered.
You can expect to be charged:
• Customs Duty: Based on the classification and value of your goods.
• Excise Taxes: Applicable on certain specific products.
• Administrative or Brokerage Fees: Charged by the carrier for handling customs clearance.
International Shipping: Duties and Taxes
For international customers (outside the U.S.), your country’s customs office may impose additional taxes, duties, and fees based on the value and type of goods. These may include:
• Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Import Duties based on your country’s tariff codes
• Customs Clearances Fees charged by the shipping carrier
Be aware that these charges are not included in the price of your order from The Musicians Club and will need to be paid separately when your order reaches customs. We recommend checking with your local customs office for an estimate of what these fees may be before placing your order.
Understanding Trade Agreements
Certain goods may qualify for reduced custom duties or exemptions under trade agreements between the U.S. and other countries. This can apply to musical instruments and products that are eligible under agreements such as the:
• United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
These agreements reduce or eliminate custom duties for qualifying products, depending on the country of manufacture.
Tips for a Smooth Delivery
1. Check Local Regulations: Before placing your order, be sure to check your country’s import regulations and any potential duties, taxes, or fees that may apply.
2. Be prepared: If your order exceeds $800 USD, be ready to pay customs duties and any associated fees to avoid delays
3. Track your shipment: Keep track of your shipment and any notifications from the shipping carrier regarding customs clearance and required payments
Need Help?
If you have any questions regarding customs duties, taxes, or your shipment, feel free to contact your customer service team. We’re here to assist you throughout the process and ensure that your order arrives with minimal hassle.