One thing to note though, if customs decides your package needs formal entry, it’s a bit of a hassle. With fedex/ups/dhl formal entry charges are typically under $50 as it is just an MPF and disbursement fee.
I am currently trying to find a broker to do a single package clearance and it’s been difficult. One broker quoted me $750, and most others just don’t provide the service anymore. So if anyone decides to send packages over $2500, be prepared for this possibility.
Also as a small cry for help. If anyone has dealt with formal entry themselves, I would be willing to pay for your time if you are able to help me. My main concerns are filling in the forms correctly and the process of obtaining a surety bond.
I think it depends on how it’s classified. If it counts as being part of the international postal system then there’s a specific bullet point that addresses the duties that will be placed on it.
From what I can tell, EMS is considered part of the international postal system, but I am not qualified enough to say for sure.
“Specific duty: A duty ranging from $80 per item to $200 per item, depending on the effective IEEPA tariff rate applicable to the country of origin of the product. The specific duty methodology will be available for six months, after which all applicable shipments must comply with the ad valorem duty methodology.”
Here it states the following:
“…or (b) a per package rate that varies depending on the effective, applicable IEEPA tariff rate. Under the per package methodology, the rates are: (1) $80 for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate less than 16%; (2) $160 for countries with a 16-25% effective IEEPA tariff rate; or (3) $200 for countries with an effective IEEPA tariff rate above 25%.”
So if I understrand it correctly, its supposed to be 80$ flat for couriers like EMS…but then the normal 15% after 6 months… IF Trump doesnt change anything again.
Side note: Massively sleep deprived, so I can be completely getting this wrong
ooh, this is interesting. I recently shipped items over $2500.. wondering if im screwed.. i noticed my EMS shipment has been stuck in “origin preparing shipment” step for many days. Shipment was accepted 7/28/25 and its still stuck in the preparing phase and its 8/5/25 rn..anyone else experiencing same issue?
I found a broker that did it for $450 which is the best I could find out of the ones that even responded to me or offered the service. Apparently the package got clearance on Friday, but as of now still no movement on it that I can see. No one at the international mail branch ever picks up and they also don’t respond to emails so I may have just spent $1000 to have it be sent back anyway. Hopefully it moves by the end of this week, otherwise I am running out of business days
Geez.. sorry to hear. sounds frustrating.. my package hasn’t moved still so paranoid now. honestly if i have issues.. it’ll get sent back and I am just gonna get my money back lol
Update for those following. It seems 2/4 packages have gotten through customs. Whats strange is the $ amount is higher on these and they were accepted later than the previous two that are still stuck. pretty sure its all sitting in customs right now.. not sure why the most recent ones moved first.
I believe this is just typical of current delays going on with US customs in general. Some packages can get held up for 2+ weeks at a time. There are several folks sharing this experience on reddit and a few here. I’ve had a similar experience to yours recently and all packages were delivered at the end.
Sorry to hear, I’ve read that customs can take up to 45 days. One of my packages was stuck just over 2 weeks, inbound out of customs like yours. Hopefully you’ll see some movement soon!
Thank you! It’s no problem with ebay protection and insurance. I just get tired of thinking about it after a month+ and was happy to see someone else mention delays.
Especially this. Im coming up on day 33 in customs, and USPS’ customs department told me it’s probably stolen and to do a missing mail search/help request since this package was lapped by several other international shipments through the same facility in Chicago.
One of my packages from Buyee hasn’t moved in 5 days after departure from Japan. Hoping that it isn’t stuck in customs. Shipped via EMS and the price is below the $2,500 formal entry limit (180,000 yen).
