Update for U.S. Customers – Import Duty Changes & Shipping Plans

If you’ve ordered from me in the U.S. before, you’ll know I’ve always tried to make things as straightforward as possible. Both in the making of your pen, and in how it makes its way across the pond to you.

From 29 August 2025, the U.S. Government removed the long-standing “de minimis” exemption. This used to allow goods valued under $800 to enter the United States without import duty. That’s no longer the case.

What’s Changed?

• Every UK-made item entering the United States now incurs import duty, no matter the value. For fountain pens, the standard rate is 10%.
• Importantly, this 10% duty is calculated not only on the pen itself, but also on the shipping cost.

How It Works Now

Rather than you paying the duty later on delivery, it is now collected automatically at checkout when you place your order. This includes:

• The correct 10% duty (on pen + shipping)
• A small processing fee (currently about 0.5%) for the system that calculates and remits duties
• Occasionally minor clearance or handling charges may be bundled in

This means your order should clear U.S. Customs smoothly, and you won’t face surprise bills at your doorstep. What you see at checkout is the full amount due.

Example

A $200 pen with $25 shipping = $225 dutiable value

• 10% duty = $22.50
• With a small processing fee added, the total duties payable comes to around $25 which is all collected at checkout

What This Means for You

• Shipping is once again handled via Royal Mail/USPS as normal
• Duties and fees are already taken care of when you order
• What you see at checkout is all you should pay, nothing is added later

In Summary

I can’t change the fact that import duties now apply, but I can make sure the process is fair, transparent, and hassle-free. Collecting duty up front at checkout means you know exactly what you’re paying, and your pen should arrive without delays or unexpected charges.

Many of my customers are in the U.S., and I’ll always do my best to get your pens to you quickly, safely, and smoothly. 💛