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U.S. Shipping Updates: Tariffs, Duties, Compliance & More

Find all the latest updates regarding U.S. shipping specific to tariffs, duties, regulations

Update July 3, 2026

We have great news to share regarding HTS codes affected by CPSC requirements.

Shipments that are currently restricted from U.S. postage options due to CPSC requirements are now eligible to ship using Chit Chats International Tracked to the U.S.

Chit Chats International Tracked – Does Not Support CUSMA

This postage option does not support CUSMA. As a result, products that previously qualified for duty-free treatment under CUSMA will be subject to applicable duties when shipped using this service.

While we recognize that this isn’t the ideal solution for every shipment, we’re working closely with our broker to expand support for CPSC requirements across additional U.S. postage options. We’ll continue to share updates as more solutions become available.

If you need assistance determining the best shipping option for your shipments, our team is here to help. We’ll also be hosting a webinar next week. Find the details here.

Update June 30, 2026

As part of our commitment to keeping your shipments moving smoothly and meeting new requirements, we’re making a temporary change. This will impact all U.S. postage at this time.  

  • Chit Chats U.S. Edge
  • Chit Chats U.S. Select 
  • Chit Chats U.S. Slim
  • USPS Priority Mail 
  • USPS Media Mail* 
  • Chit Chats U.S. Connect
  • USPS First Class Lettermail
  • Chit Chats International Tracked to the U.S.

*Available only to select clients

To support compliance with the updated CPSC requirements, shipments containing certain affected HTS classifications will be temporarily restricted beginning Thursday, July 2.

What’s changing & when?

  • July 2: Shipments containing certain affected HTS classifications will not be eligible while these codes are temporarily restricted.
  • July 3: Last day to drop off shipments with CPSC restricted HTS codes.

We know changes like this can impact your shipping plans, and we appreciate your patience while we work through this transition. Our team is actively partnering with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and our broker to better understand the requirements and build a compliant process for submitting the necessary certification data.

Some items may require additional documentation from the manufacturer, and in some cases, such documentation is not yet available. Our team is working closely with CBP and our broker to clarify what will be required. Further review may be needed depending on the item, manufacturer, release date, and availability of required documents.

What can you do?

Review Restricted HTS Codes 

To help you determine if your product falls under the restriction, refer to the reference sheet linked below for those affected classifications: 

Please keep in mind that this list may change as we continue learning more and working with our partners. We’ll keep it updated as new information becomes available.

We also recommend taking this opportunity to review your product HTS classifications to ensure they are accurate. Some products may have alternative classifications available, and we are working with our broker on further guidance. 

Here are some examples:

  • Paint Sets
    • 3213.10.0000 will be restricted and another classification that could apply depending on your product is 3213.90.0000
  • Plastic Jewelry
    • 7117.19.9000 and 7117.90.9000 are both part of the restricted classifications so another possible classification depending on your goods could be 7117.90.7500
  • Jewelry of Precious Metal
    • 7117.19.9000 and 7117.90.9000 restricted
      • 7113111000 Silver Chain/Rope For Jewelry
      • 7113192100 Neckropes Of Gold, Other
  • Sporting Equipment
    • 9503 Heading will also be restricted depending on your product 9506 Heading could be an option 
  • Video Games (not Consoles)
    • 9504.50.0000 part of restriction and if your product qualifies another classification could be 8523.51.0000
  • Party Favours/Decorations
    • 9505.90.6000 restricted but if your item meets the criteria 9505.90.4000 could be an option 

Here to Support

Thank you for your understanding as we work through these changes. We’re committed to keeping you informed, exploring solutions, and helping you continue shipping with confidence.

If you have any questions or need help along the way, our team is happy to assist. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Update June 22, 2026

CUSMA registrations are valid for one year and must be renewed annually for eligible products. With CUSMA having been available on the Chit Chats platform for nearly a year, our team is actively developing a renewal workflow that will allow you to renew your CUSMA registrations when required.

We will share additional details as soon as the renewal process has been finalized. At this time, updates are expected sometime in July.

Keeping you informed remains our top priority. We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back periodically for the latest updates regarding CUSMA renewals and other U.S.-bound shipping changes.

Our team continues to closely monitor developments and assess any changes that may impact your shipments. As new information becomes available, we are committed to providing timely updates and clear guidance to help you navigate evolving U.S. shipping requirements with confidence. We appreciate your patience and will continue to keep you informed every step of the way.

Update June 11, 2026

Beginning July 8, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will require electronic submission of Certificate of Conformity information for applicable products entering the United States.

This change introduces a new reporting requirement for certain consumer products and may affect some U.S.-bound shipments sent through Chit Chats.

What Is Changing?

The CPSC is the U.S. agency responsible for enforcing consumer product safety regulations.

While many regulated products have long been required to comply with CPSC safety standards, proof of compliance was often only requested when needed. Starting July 8, 2026, certificate information for applicable products must be submitted electronically at the time of import.

Without the required compliance information, affected shipments may face customs delays, additional reviews, or refusal of entry into the United States.

Which Products May Be Affected?

At this time, the CPSC has not published a full comprehensive list of all products that will require electronic certificate filing. However, they have released a sample list of codes that will be affected. 

Based on currently available information, products commonly associated with these requirements include:

  • Toys
  • Imitation jewelry
  • Certain clothing and textile products

The rest may be the following:

  • Helmets
  • Household goods
  • Consumer electronics
  • Other regulated consumer products

Please note that product eligibility is determined by specific safety regulations and HTS classifications. Not every item within these categories will necessarily be subject to the new filing requirements.

How Will Compliance Information Be Submitted?

The required data will be transmitted through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the electronic customs platform used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Further guidance on data requirements will be provided as we approach the effective date. 

How to Prepare

If you sell products that fall within regulated consumer product categories, now is a good time to review your product catalog and determine whether any of your items may require a Certificate of Conformity.

We also recommend reviewing the CPSC’s HTS sample code guidance to identify products that may be affected by these requirements.

What Are We Doing?

We know that this comes as a big change for some. However, don’t worry as our team is working internally and with our customs broker to determine how compliance information can be integrated while minimizing disruption to your shipping workflow.

We will continue to provide updates as details are finalized.

Update June 4, 2026

International Emergency Economics Powers Act (IEEPA) Refunds

As shared earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unlawful. As a result, refunds are being issued for eligible imports that entered the United States under this tariff category.

Beginning April 20, refund processing has started for select entry categories as part of Phase 1. Refunds will continue to roll out in phases, with additional categories included at each stage. At this time, shipments sent with Chit Chats are not included in the first phase of refunds.

We are closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more details on tariff categories, please visit our blog.

Restricted Countries of Origin – click to expand

Due to ongoing political tensions, the United States enforces sanctions that restrict imports from certain Countries of Origin. As a result, Chit Chats is unable to accommodate any products containing shipments originating from affected countries.

At this time, this includes products with a Country of Origin of:

  • Cuba
  • Palestine
  • Venezuela
  • Iraq
  • Myanmar
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • North Korea
  • Iran

*Please note that this list is subject to change based on evolving political circumstances and future U.S. policies.

Any shipments containing products from the above origins are not eligible for any U.S. postage through Chit Chats.

Important Reminders

No manufacturer info? Chit Chats International Tracked is an alternate solution for you. Read more

We are still not accepting Amazon FBA shipments – this was temporarily suspended at the end of August. If we enable acceptance of Amazon FBA shipments we will update here.

CUSMA

Submit for approval and duty-free treatment if the country of origin is Canada, U.S., or Mexico and you meet CUSMA requirements (Rules of Origin are met). If the HTS code indicates the S/S+ indicator or it shows Free in the General Duty column on the offical US site. Be sure to check that your HTS code is valid (appears on the US site).

  • Simply provide the country of origin, product description and 10 digit HTS code for approval
  • Once approved to see duty-free enter the same COO and HTS
  • If you had previously created SKUs that were approved be sure to enter the HTS and COO that was approved to continue seeing duty-free

Learn more

Incorrect or missing information – click to learn more

Common reasons for delays result from incorrect, vague or missing information – we’ve made adjustments to catch any missing information at time of postage creation.

U.S. Customs Border and Protection has implemented automated enforcement of package descriptions. This means you must ensure that all shipment descriptions are detailed. For example t-shirt is not acceptable but rather men’s cotton t-shirt. If your shipment does not have detailed descriptions this will cause your package to be rejected.

What You Can Do

  • 👉 Ensure you provide a valid 10 digit HTS code
  • 👉 Provide accurate and detailed shipment descriptions. Find examples in our previous blog
  • 👉 Ensure manufacturer information is valid and matches the country of origin
  • I.e. Country of origin is China – the manufacturer address MUST be a Chinese address
  • Entering placeholder text (Unknown, N/A, etc.) will result in shipments being rejected and further delays
Update on Informational Material – Oct 22, 2025 – click to see details

Shipments classified as informational materials are once again exempt from reciprocal tariffs, regardless of origin or CUSMA certification. For existing shipments, refresh rates to view updated tariff treatment. For details, see the CBP FAQ definition of informational materials here.

Section 301 Tariffs on goods from China

Depending on the product’s HTS code, an additional tariff for products from China may apply. These can be identified by hovering over the ‘1/’ in the HTS Schedule, and looking up the HTS Code provided in the tool tip, as pictured below:

These additional tariffs are considered ‘Section 301 Tariffs’ and can range from 7.5% to 25%, depending on the HTS Code. More information can be found on the Office of the United States Trade Representative website.

RESOURCE HUB – Find link by clicking for more details

With so much information find key topics below that will provide additional resources and FAQs to help you navigate these changes.

US Shipping Is Changing — And We’re All Feeling It

To our Chit Chats family,

Lately, everything is changing — and fast. There are new rules and regulations, which are demanding the creation of new systems. It’s been a lot to keep up with and you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

Behind the scenes, our team is collaborating with our broker to develop the system and working closely with US Customs to ensure our Canadian ecommerce sellers have the information they need to remain compliant.

Not everything is in our control, Chit Chats is adapting as quickly as possible to support you through these transitions. The removal of the de minimis threshold has disrupted shipping in unprecedented ways. Not only are shipments being delayed and rejected but the new requirements are impacting your bottom line. 

What We’re Doing to Support You

We’re committed to leveraging our network to mitigate risks where we can, minimize the impact to you where possible. The learning curve is steep for all of us but we’re working around the clock to troubleshoot, communicate and provide solutions to help you continue to ship. 

We understand shipping is an integral part of your business but we also know your client experience matters. Whether you’re a solo Etsy artisan, a seasoned eBay seller, or a growing online brand, we know these changes are creating real challenges. 

🇨🇦 Chit Chats Puts Canada First

This isn’t the first time Canadian businesses have faced cross-border shipping challenges. In fact helping Canadian eCommerce sellers succeed is at the heart of what we do. Back in 2001, when our founder Derek Nolan saw firsthand how hard it was for small businesses to ship affordably and reliably from Canada and compete globally. That mission has never changed.

Moving Forward Together

We know this is a tough moment, but we want you to know we’re in it with you. Our commitment remains the same: to find solutions that empower Canadian businesses to thrive, no matter how the rules shift. Thank you for trusting us through this journey; we’ll continue to keep you informed and supported every step of the way.

FAQs

Postage Is DDU (duties unpaid) no longer available with Chit Chats? – click for answer

There are no DDU options at this time. We understand that many sellers prefer to have duties collected at the time of delivery from the recipient and our team is exploring if we can provide a solution. There is no timeline if and when a DDU solution will be available but we will update all clients if this changes.

For Chit Chats Edge and Chit Chats Select – is this a postal or non-postal service?

Due to our method of entry into the US, both Chit Chats U.S. Edge and U.S. Select are non-postal services. Other postages partnered with Canada Post and PostNL follow under postal services. You will not be required to pay the $200 ad valorem fee, however you will be expected to pay a tariff fee based on the item(s) declared.

If I ship with USPS Media Mail will this still be available? 

USPS Media Mail is available through our DDP (duties paid) option. The country of origin, valid HTS code, and manufacturer information must be declared in order to obtain rates. 

Will I need to provide a manufacturer address for books when I don’t have it?

  • To access DDP (duties paid) postage options you are required to provide manufacturer information. If it cannot be provided our DDU options can be an alternative as you only require the country of origin and a valid HTS code.