At UC Jewelry, we are committed to bringing the finest Indonesian silver craftsmanship right to your doorstep. However, staying informed about international trade is key to a smooth shopping experience.
As of 2026, the United States has implemented significant changes to its import laws, specifically regarding the De Minimis ($800) Rule. We’ve put together this guide to help our US-based community understand these updates.
1. What has changed?
Previously, orders under $800 could enter the US duty-free. However, under the new executive regulations, this exemption has been removed for most categories, including jewelry.
What this means for you: Every package entering the US from abroad is now subject to formal or informal entry procedures, which include Import Duties, Taxes, and Administrative Fees, regardless of the total price.
2. Breakdown of Estimated Costs
When your UC Jewelry package arrives in the US, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will assess the following charges:
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Import Duty (Tariffs): Silver jewelry originating from Indonesia is classified under specific HS Codes (typically 7113.11). Under the 2026 tariff schedule, estimated rates range from 15% to 25% of the item’s declared value.
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Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): This is a mandatory US government administrative fee. For “Informal Entries” (most individual orders), this is typically a flat fee ranging from $2.00 to $10.00.
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State Sales Tax: Just like buying locally, your destination state may require sales tax. This usually averages between 6% and 9% depending on your zip code.
3. A Quick Example
If you purchase a handcrafted silver necklace valued at $67.22, here is a rough estimate of what you might pay upon arrival:
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Estimated Duty (20%): $13.44
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Estimated Sales Tax (7%): $4.70
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MPF (Min. Estimate): $2.00
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Total Estimated Customs Charges: ~$20.14
4. How do I pay these fees?
The process is simple but handled outside of our website:
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Notification: Once your package clears US Customs, the courier (DHL, FedEx, or UPS) will contact you via email, SMS, or phone.
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Payment: You can usually pay these fees online through the courier’s secure portal or via their mobile app.
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Delivery: Once the payment is processed, your jewelry will be out for final delivery to your door.
5. Why UC Jewelry remains a valuable choice
While these new regulations add a small additional cost, the value of authentic, artisan-made Indonesian silver remains unmatched. Each piece from UC Jewelry is a work of art, handcrafted by local masters using techniques passed down through generations—quality that is difficult to find in mass-produced local alternatives.
Our Commitment to Transparency We want there to be no surprises when your package arrives. We provide all necessary documentation and correct HS Codes with every shipment to ensure your order is processed quickly and you are charged the correct, lowest possible legal rate.
Thank you for supporting traditional Indonesian artisans and for being a valued part of the UC Jewelry family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why am I being charged extra fees now when I wasn’t before? Previously, the U.S. allowed “de minimis” shipments under $800 to enter duty-free. As of 2026, the U.S. government has updated its trade policies, requiring duties and taxes on these shipments to ensure fair trade and better oversight of imported goods.
2. Can UC Jewelry include these taxes in the checkout price? Currently, we operate on a DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid) basis. Because import duties and state taxes vary significantly depending on your specific location and the latest daily exchange rates, these are calculated and collected by U.S. Customs and the courier upon arrival in the United States.
3. What happens if I refuse to pay the customs fees? If the duties and taxes are not paid, the courier will be unable to deliver your package. In such cases, the item may be returned to us or abandoned. Please note that original shipping fees and any return costs incurred will not be refundable in the event of a refused delivery.
4. Will this delay my delivery? Most modern couriers (like DHL or FedEx) have automated systems to process these fees quickly. To avoid delays, we recommend monitoring your tracking number and paying the requested fees as soon as you receive the notification from the carrier.
5. How can I be sure I’m being charged the correct amount? We meticulously label every shipment with the correct HS Code (7113.11) for silver jewelry. This ensures that U.S. Customs applies the specific jewelry tariff rather than a generic (and often higher) “catch-all” tax rate.
6. Does this apply to all international orders or just UC Jewelry? This is a federal regulation by the U.S. government that applies to all international businesses shipping goods to the United States. Whether you buy from Indonesia, Europe, or elsewhere, the same rules now apply.
US Government resources:
1. US International Trade Administration guidance on determining origin under non-FTA terms.
2. Executive Order on Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries.
3. US Customs and Border Protection agency guidance for carriers on duty collection.