Unfortunately, yes. Recent U.S. tariff and customs changes have impacted deliveries from the the UK and other international destinations to the United States.

Parcels may take longer to clear customs, and some carriers are experiencing issues that can result in delays, returns or even disposal. We’re still happy to ship to the U.S., but please note that this is done at the customer’s own risk, and refunds cannot be issued if parcels are held or destroyed by U.S. customs or shipping companies.

All of the latest information that we have and links to the issues can be found below:

Shipping to the U.S. – Important Information

Please read carefully before placing an order to a U.S. address.

1. Customs, Duties & Clearance

• The U.S. import rules for goods from the UK changed significantly on 29 August 2025: the previous “de minimis” (duty-free) threshold of US $800 for many goods has been removed.
• This means all goods entering the U.S. may be subject to customs duties or tariffs, and full customs clearance processes — even low-value parcels.
• As the sender (UK business), you are responsible for providing full, accurate customs documentation (commercial invoice, HS codes, country of origin, value). Failure or delay in clearance may lead to returns, destruction or extra charges.
• For example, as part of postal (standard) services, Royal Mail introduced new ‘PDDP’ (Postal Delivered Duties Paid) services for the U.S., signalling the shift in who pays and how clearance will work.

• Once the parcel leaves our premises and is dispatched for delivery to the U.S., control of the shipment passes through multiple carriers and customs authorities. We cannot guarantee that the parcel will clear U.S. customs, or arrive undamaged or unreturned.

• For example, in the terms of service of UPS (for international shipments) it states:

  “UPS reserves the right to deal with such a shipment … including but not limited to disposal of the shipment. The shipper will be responsible for payment of all charges … if applicable.” UPS

• Because of the increased volume of U.S.-bound parcels, tighter customs scrutiny and the new tariff regime, we have seen increased instances of parcel hold-ups, returns or disposal.

• When ordering from the U.S., you (the buyer) accept the risk of customs/clearance problems, delays, returns or disposal after the parcel leaves the UK.
• We will not refund the cost of the item or shipping if your parcel is returned, held, delayed indefinitely, or destroyed by the carrier or U.S. customs due to any of the above risks.
• We strongly recommend that if you are ordering high-value items, you consider:

1. arranging parcel insurance (where offered)
2. choosing shipping services with better tracking/clearance support
3. being aware of any U.S. import duties or taxes you may incur when the parcel is delivered.

• By placing an order to a U.S. destination you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms.

4. Suggested Best Practices to Improve Success

• Provide a complete and accurate shipping address (incl. full street address, recipient name, phone number, email) – this helps avoid delays.
• Add a commercial invoice or required customs documentation with correct HS code, country of origin, value and description.
• Understand and budget for possible U.S. duties/taxes. While we ship from the UK, the final import clearance is in the U.S. and may require you to pay.
• For higher-value parcels, consider a courier service that explicitly supports U.S. import clearance, or send via postal service with declared value and good tracking.
• If you carry your own shipping policy: limit the number of U.S. orders (or value/weight) until you are comfortable with the process.

5. Alternate Shipping Options & Our Recent Changes

• We have used UPS in the past for heavy / large U.S. orders. However, given recent increased risk of parcel loss, disposal or extended custom-holds, we are reviewing whether to continue offering UPS as a U.S. shipping option.
• As an alternative, we plan to use Royal Mail for U.S. orders with a maximum parcel weight of 2 kg (to keep shipping costs and exposure lower).
• Please note: Royal Mail has introduced new fees for U.S. shipments and has updated good-inwards U.S. policy (e.g., “Postal Delivered Duties Paid” services). This is a fee that has to be covered on our end, which we are doing at our own cost and not increasing shipping prices.
• By limiting parcel size/weight (2 kg) we aim to reduce shipping cost, clearance value and risk of damage or return.

6. Summary

If you place an order to a U.S. address you are fully aware that:

• U.S. import duties and customs clearance may apply;
• Once the parcel leaves the UK we cannot guarantee delivery, clearance or condition;
• We are not liable for refunding item or shipping cost if the parcel is lost, held, returned, or destroyed by U.S. customs/carrier;
• You accept those risks and are still willing to order.

Thank you for choosing us. We appreciate your business and remain committed to providing the best service we can despite these challenging shipping conditions.

Useful links to explain these issues further:

UPS Terms and Conditions – Disposal, Return & Refusal Clause

Royal Mail – Changes to U.S. Import Rules and New Service

Royal Mail – Launching New Services for U.S. Shipping Ahead of Duties

Royal Mail – New Postal Delivery Duties Paid (PDDP) Services to the U.S.

GOV.UK – Goods Sent From Abroad, Tax & Duty