Navigating U.S. tariffs and
customs regulations

Required documents vary by many factors, such as value, type of goods, and country of origin. If you’re not familiar with international shipping, the best option is to work with a customs broker or use a tool that can help you identify what paperwork is necessary.

• Use FedEx International Shipping Assist to see a quick list of the customs documents you need. For more complex shipments and compliance research, try FedEx Global Trade Manager. Access documents and verify specific country requirements. 
• Once you're done, you can submit your documents right away. It's convenient and free to use FedEx Electronic Trade Documents.

A Harmonized System code is essentially an internationally recognized label for your product—it helps ensure that all countries can recognize what’s being shipped. You might also see a Harmonized System code referred to as HC, HTS, or commodity code. For U.S. imports, the HS code will be 10 digits, and it’s defined by the description of what’s being imported. 

If you need help finding your code, try FedEx International Shipping Assist. You’ll fill out simple forms about your shipment, and we’ll provide information like your HS code, estimated shipping cost, and blank copies of your customs documentation.

A Manufacturer’s Identification code (MID code) is a shorthand reference to a manufacturer. It helps make sure government agencies understand exactly where the product originated, and it’s used as an alternative to a manufacturer’s full name and address. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a MID code for every import.

A MID code follows a simple formula:

[Two-letter ISO code from supplier’s country] + [First 3 letters of manufacturer’s first name (and last name if applicable)] + [First digits (up to four) of manufacturer’s street address] + [Postal code (if there’s no postal code, you can leave it out.)]

So if you were importing from this company:

Nordic Lighting Solutions

78 Strandvej

Copenhagen, Denmark

Postal Code: DK-2100

The MID Code would be:

DKNOR0078COP2100

The U.S. de minimis provides for the duty- and tax-free entry of articles valued at $800 or less that are imported by one person on one day. Effective May 2, 2025, products from China and Hong Kong were no longer eligible for de minimis treatment and became subject to all applicable duties, taxes, and fees.

Effective August 29, 2025, the de minimis exemption for all international shipments sent to the U.S. is suspended. This means duties and taxes now apply to all commercial imports including those valued at $800 or below. FedEx is here to help you navigate these changes with updated tools and support.

If you're new to international shipping requirements, FedEx International Shipping Assist can provide you with a quick estimate. If you're a more experienced shipper, use FedEx Global Trade Manager. You'll be able to determine total landed costs and get up-to-date estimates based on live shipping data.

For complex enterprise needs, use FedEx WorldTariff. It provides an in-depth analysis of your international strategy—helping you identify ways to save on duties and taxes.

You can use any customs broker you want when you ship internationally with FedEx. We’re international experts who can serve as your broker, or we’ll work with your broker through FedEx International Broker Select^®.

First, it’s important to underscore that the answers to the questions “how much are the duties/taxes?” and “who gets invoiced for them?” are not determined by logistics companies like FedEx. Logistics companies facilitate the payment of required duties and taxes to the government on behalf of the seller/buyer. These are not fees TO the logistics provider, nor are they considered “shipping fees.”

When completing an international shipping label, shipping customers can either select themselves (“the shipper”), the recipient (or “the buyer”), or a third party to be responsible for payment of any duties and taxes.

Whether or not a recipient/buyer receives an invoice for duties and taxes directly depends on what the seller chooses when setting up a shipment. If a party is not selected on the shipping label, the recipient will default as the party responsible for paying duties and taxes.

The recipient will be notified of the duties and taxes owed via email or SMS. They'll receive an invoice directly from FedEx, directing them to the FedEx Import Tool.

What recipients should know:

• When making a purchase, pay attention to whether the seller has already factored duties and taxes into the transaction. Contact the seller if the responsibility is unclear to help avoid surprises.
• Upon receiving an invoice via mail, recipients can pay outstanding duties and taxes: 
  • Electronically through the FedEx Import Tool
  • By phone
  • By email
• Instructions for each payment method are included on the invoice. Consider using the FedEx Import Tool. It's fast, convenient, and secure—you'll receive an immediate confirmation of receipt.

To help guard against potential customs-related scams, FedEx suggests the following:

• Be skeptical of any request for payment in order to receive a delivery, especially if it contains wording which does not seem to be appropriate. If you owe payment, FedEx will notify you via email or SMS after your shipment has been delivered, not before. 
• FedEx will not ask you to verify or provide personal information in an email or text message. If it's a reputable notification, you'll be led to a secure FedEx site to confirm your tracking number and pay your invoices.

Duties and taxes are still owed on applicable packages, even if the order is returned.

Packages can experience clearance delays when there is incomplete or inaccurate information, missing documentation,  or when government agency or FedEx requires additional review. Effective, August 29, 2025, with the suspension of the de minimis exemption, all shipments to the U.S. must clear using formal or informal customs entry processes, increasing the importance of documentation.   

Learn more about how to prevent caged shipments here Customs Clearance | FedEx.