🚚 There has been a lot of discussion recently about the end of the U.S. de minimis exemption, which previously allowed many shipments under $800 to enter the United States without duties or tariffs. Understandably, this has raised concerns among businesses and customers who regularly ship technology products across the border.
At GPIO Labs, we want to clarify what this means for our customers: our RF and microwave products are not subject to additional tariffs or duties under the USMCA trade agreement.
📦 Why De Minimis Changes Don’t Affect Our Products
The de minimis threshold was a customs simplification rule. With its rollback, more shipments will technically need to be declared and classified, even if no duties apply.
However, what matters most is the HS (Harmonized System) code classification of the products being shipped. This determines whether duties or tariffs are applied.
🔑 Our HS Code: 8543.70.98.60
All of our RF amplifiers, filters, and related modules are made in Canada and classified under:
HS Code 8543.70.98.60 — Electrical apparatus, having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 85; parts thereof
Under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), this classification qualifies for:
- 0% duties when shipped from Canada to the USA
- No additional tariffs under current U.S. trade schedules
💵 Shipments Under vs. Over $800
| Shipment Value | Duties (USMCA) | Taxes | Brokerage/Processing Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ $800 | 0% | None (unless state sales tax applies via carrier/marketplace) | Minimal/none |
| > $800 | 0% | Possible state sales/use tax, depending on delivery state | Carrier may charge customs brokerage/processing fees |
🚦 Note on Shipping Times
As a result of these changes, shipping times have temporarily increased due to additional customs processing. We expect this to normalize as carriers and border agencies adapt to the new requirements.
🌐 What This Means for Our Customers
- No tariff surprises: GPIO Labs products do not incur U.S. import duties.
- Predictable costs: Only state sales taxes and carrier brokerage fees may apply.
- Stable pricing: Customers can continue ordering without worrying about unexpected tariffs.
-
Shipping delays temporary: Current slowdowns should ease as systems adjust.
✅ Bottom Line
Even though the de minimis exemption is ending, GPIO Labs products are fully covered under HS Code 8543.70.98.60 and remain duty-free under USMCA — even on orders over $800.
We’ll continue monitoring trade policy developments to ensure our customers receive transparent, predictable pricing and seamless shipping from Canada to the United States.