Understanding Tariffs and Duty-Free Shipping Regions

When shopping across borders, duties and tariffs can sometimes be an unexpected cost. At SONYA LEE, we want to make international shipping as seamless as possible for our customers, which is why we cover brokerage fees for both free and paid shipping options. Here’s what you need to know about tariffs, de minimis values, and which regions qualify for duty-free shopping.

What is a Tariff & De Minimis?

A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods, varying by country and product category. The de minimis value is the threshold under which goods can be imported without duties or taxes.

For shipments from Canada to the U.S., the de minimis value is:

• $800 USD – Orders below this amount do not incur import duties. However, state taxes may still apply.

• Orders above $800 USD may be subject to tariffs.

We are actively working on prepaid duties & taxes options to ensure a smoother shopping experience for our U.S. customers for orders above $800 USD. 

Duty-Free Countries for Canadian Shipments

Canada has trade agreements with multiple countries, allowing for duty-free imports under specific conditions. Here are some key regions where you may not have to pay duties:

North America:

• United States – Up to $800 USD under de minimis

• Mexico – Under the CUSMA/USMCA agreement (formerly NAFTA)

Europe:

• European Union – Under CETA (Canada-EU Trade Agreement): Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.

• United Kingdom – Under the Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement

Asia-Pacific:

• Australia & New Zealand – Under CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)

• Japan – Under CPTPP

• South Korea – Under CKFTA (Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement)

South America:

• Chile, Peru, Colombia – Under various trade agreements with Canada

What This Means for You

• If you are in one of these duty-free regions, your SONYA LEE order may not incur additional import fees. Only applicable state/provincial sales tax.

• For U.S. customers, orders under $800 USD should be duty-free, with only applicable state taxes.

• Brokerage fees are covered on all shipping options—whether you select free or paid shipping, there are no extra handling fees upon delivery.