U.S. Tariff Policy FAQ
U.S. Tariff Policy FAQ
1. Overview of U.S. Tariff Policies on Imports from China
The US government lowered the tariff rate for goods exported from China to the United States on May 14, 2025.
Additional Tariffs: 20%
Reciprocal Tariffs: 125% 10% (for 90 days, may be raised to 34% in the future)
Section 301 Tariffs: 25%
Section 232 Tariffs: 25% (this tariff only applies to steel products and aluminum alloy products)
Regular Tariffs under applicable HS codes: 0–7.5%
Total tariff rate: About 55-87.5%
2.What proportion does JLC3DP use to calculate the pre-collected import fees?
2.1 What is the rate of JLCPCB's advance tax collection?
● Rate of JLC's advance tax collection: 175% 60%. JLC3DP has made a 25% tax allowance for steel products.
2.2 How does JLC3DP handle discrepancies between pre-collected and actual taxes?
● For orders where JLC3DP has already collected import fees at a rate of 175%, JLC will refund the extra to you or collect the difference from you based on the actual tax incurred.
For orders where JLC3DP collects import fees at 60%, JLC3DP will not refund the extra or collect the difference, as this rate is calculated as an average based on actual tariff rates ranging from 55% to 87.5%.
2.3 What is the processing time for refunds or additional charges?
● Processing time for refunds/additional charges: JLC typically receives tax bills from logistics providers within 2–8 weeks. Upon receipt, JLC will immediately process the additional payment (via a payment link sent to you) or refund (issued through your original payment method).
2.4 Are there exemptions for tariffs in the destination country?
U.S. Reciprocal Tariffs on Chinese Imports and Exemption Policies
Under the U.S.-China reciprocal tariffs, certain HTS codes may qualify for exemptions. For orders granted tariff exemptions, JLC will arrange refunds after receiving the tax bill.
Recommendation, JLC encourages customers to collaborate with logistics providers in the destination country to leverage eligible HTS codes and Section 301 exemption provisions for smoother customs clearance.
3. Exemption Policy for "Reciprocal Tariffs"
Regarding the HS codes which can be exempted from "Reciprocal Tariffs", here are the definition of those HS codes.
8471---Computer; magnetic or optical card reader (Note: this HS code is for finished product only, and JLC's PCBA orders are all Intermediate products)
847330---Computer parts and accessories (Note: This HS code is for Intermediate products)
8486---Machines and equipment specifically or mainly used for the manufacture of semiconductors. (Note: This HS code can be used for Intermediate products)
85171300---Smartphone
85176200---Equipment for receiving, converting, transmitting or reproducing voice and images
(Note: The above two HS codes are for finished products only)
85235100---Storage device (Note: This HS code can be used for Intermediate products)
8524---Flat panel display module (Note: this HS code is for finished product only)
85285200---Display, for automatic data processing equipment. (Note: this HS code is for finished product only)
85411000, 85412100, 85412900, 85413000, 85414910, 85414970, 85414980, 85414995, 85415100, 85415900, 85419000 ---(Note: The above HS codes are for components such as diodes, transistors, thyristors, etc. Those HS codes are not applicable to JLC's PCBA products because PCBA boards are not pure components.)
8542---Integrated Circuit (Note: JLC's PCBA products are not integrated circuits and this code is not applied.)
The HS code should be selected based on the actual use of the goods. The products you order may not be eligible for HS code which is exempted from duty/tariff. JLC reserves the right to replace the HS code to match the actual product.
4. What actions will JLC take for U.S. orders with a value below $800 after May 2, 2025?
For U.S. Individual Customer Orders: JLC will ship goods using DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms.
For U.S. Company Customer Orders: JLC encourages DDP terms but also supports CPT (Carriage Paid To) terms.
Important Notes:
If you choose CPT terms, you are responsible for paying import taxes promptly in the destination country.
JLC will NOT refund the product value or shipping costs for any customs clearance issues caused by the recipient (e.g., delayed tax payments, missing documentation, or shipment abandonment).
5. Why Are Individual Customers Required to Use DDP Terms?
1. Logistics Providers' Interim Rules: Logistics partners require individual customers to adhere to DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms.
2. To speed up deliveries and improve the shopping experience, JLC pre-collects taxes for customers who may face customs clearance challenges. This helps expedite customs procedures and enhances transportation efficiency.
Note: For company customers, JLC encourages the use of DDP terms.
6. How Should Company customers Cooperate to Reduce Parcel Delays When Choosing CPT Terms?
To minimize customs-related delays, corporate clients selecting CPT (Carriage Paid To) terms must:
1. Monitor parcel status and actively assist in customs clearance (e.g., promptly respond to logistics provider's emails).
2. Provide accurate info when placing the order:
Company name
Recipient name
Email address
Shipping address
EIN number
(Ensures swift communication with logistics partners).
3. Pay import taxes immediately when required.
Important Notes:
1. Incorrect information or uncooperative actions may lead to delays or customs failure.
2. JLC does NOT refund orders (including product value and shipping costs) for delivery failures caused by the recipient. We strongly recommend using DDP terms to avoid risks.
7. Differences Between DDP and CPT Terms
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller assumes all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to the named destination in the importing country.
CPT (Carriage Paid To): The seller delivers the goods to a designated carrier and pays the freight to the destination, while the buyer bears all risks and additional costs after the goods are handed over.
Term | DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | CPT (Carriage Paid To) |
Export Customs | Seller responsible | Seller responsible |
Freight Costs | Seller pays all freight to destination | Seller pays freight to destination |
Import Customs | Seller handles all import clearance, duties, and taxes | Buyer responsible for import clearance, duties, and taxes |
Destination Taxes | Seller prepays and manages all taxes (e.g., tariffs, VAT) | Buyer pays taxes directly to customs or logistics provider |
Compared to CPT terms, DDP terms offer a more smooth delivery experience:
1. You only need to prepay taxes when placing your order, effectively avoiding delays during customs clearance caused by tax payment issues.
2. Under DDP terms, JLC pre-collects a 60% tax based on the product value. After import, JLC will adjust payments to match actual costs. We will ensure that payments are corrected by refunding for overpayments and charging for shortfalls.
3. Under CPT terms, the recipient is responsible for paying taxes directly to the logistics provider or U.S. Customs.
8. What Are the Consequences and Risks of Refusing to Pay Import Taxes?
1. Order Non-Delivery: If you refuse to pay taxes, you will not receive your order, and your project may be impacted.
2. Damaged Customs Reputation: Refusal to pay taxes may harm your credit standing with U.S. Customs, potentially complicating future imports.
3. Storage Fees and Liability: Delays due to unpaid taxes will result in prolonged storage of your package in U.S. Customs warehouses, incurring high daily storage fees. JLC reserves the right to seek compensation from you for these costs.
9. The updates to the terms of service for DHL, UPS, and FedEx
Due to frequent changes in policies, JLC has organized the following information, which is subject to the actual applicable policies:
9.1 DHL EXPRESS
According to the latest regulations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), all shipments with a declared value exceeding $800 must undergo formal customs declaration.
JLC will collect the following information from you, as required by logistics providers:
10-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code,
EIN (For corporate recipients, when the product value is under $2500, EIN is not mandatory, still we recommend you to provide it in address book as this could help expedite import clearance. When the product value is above $2500, EIN is mandatory according to Express Companies' requirement)
DHL Return Policy:
If a shipment cannot be delivered due to the recipient's refusal to pay import duties/taxes or other recipient-related issues, DHL will arrange to return the package. This will incur return shipping costs, return handling fees, and destination country import duties/taxes. These charges will be billed to JLC by the carrier, and JLC will seek reimbursement from you for any such costs incurred.
9.2 UPS EXPRESS
UPS Regulations for Shipments to the U.S.:
Informal Customs Clearance Requirements: total shipment value is less than $2,500 and individual item value is less than $250.
Formal Customs Clearance Requirements: total shipment value is greater than or equal to $2500, or individual item value is greater than or equal to $250.
JLC will collect the following information from you, as required by logistics providers:
Clear and accurate product descriptions (including material, purpose, quantity, and country of origin).
10-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.
EIN (For corporate recipients, when the product value is under $2500, EIN is not mandatory, still we recommend you to provide it in address book as this could help expedite import clearance. When the product value is above $2500, EIN is mandatory according to Express Companies' requirement)
For B2C shipments (destined to individual customers), UPS requires the use of DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services. As a result, JLC will pre-collect import taxes/duties for such shipments.
UPS Return Policy:
If a shipment cannot be delivered due to the recipient's refusal to pay import duties/taxes or other recipient-related issues, UPS will arrange to return the package. This will incur return shipping costs, return handling fees, and destination country import duties/taxes. These charges will be billed to JLC by the carrier, and JLC will seek reimbursement from you for any such costs incurred.
9.3 FedEx EXPRESS
FedEx Requirements for U.S Shipments:
All packages shipped to the U.S. must include:
Clear and accurate product descriptions (including material, purpose, quantity, and country of origin).
10-digit U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.
EIN (For corporate recipients, when the product value is under $2500, EIN is not mandatory, still we recommend you to provide it in address book as this could help expedite import clearance. When the product value is above $2500, EIN is mandatory according to Express Companies' requirement)
For B2C shipments (destined to individual customers), FedEx requires the use of DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services. As a result, JLC will pre-collect import taxes/duties for such shipments.
FedEx Return Policy:
If a shipment cannot be delivered due to the recipient's refusal to pay import duties/taxes or other recipient-related issues, FedEx will arrange to return the package. This will incur return shipping costs, return handling fees, and destination country import duties/taxes. These charges will be billed to JLC by the carrier, and JLC will seek reimbursement from you for any such costs incurred.
Last updated on May 19,2025