CUSTOMERS IN THE USA:

OCTOBER 27 UPDATE:

I am using two new shippers this week, so you will see your packages cross at different border crossings (Blaine, Niagara Falls, and Sweet Grass), at least until my regular courier resolves its customs backlog. Packages remain tariff-free, and should arrive faster now. I’ve had to raise the price slightly due to increased brokerage fees across the board, as well as USPS holiday price increase.

For those of you who have packages in limbo from last week, I’m checking in every day to see where they are. I’m continuing to monitor until they are received by USPS.

OCTOBER 24 UPDATE:

I am temporarily holding all U.S. shipments while I await CUSMA approval from a new shipper OR until my current shipper clears their backlog. Unfortunately, they’ve been experiencing ongoing issues with customs clearance.

Moving forward, if these customs delays continue, I may need to limit U.S. shipments to once or twice a week instead of daily. My main goal is to keep your shipping costs as low as possible while ensuring everything is sent tariff-free.

If faster delivery is more important to you and you’re open to paying a bit more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can arrange an alternative option through UPS—it’s much quicker, though there is a higher brokerage fee.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding while I work through these challenges. I truly appreciate your support!

OCTOBER 20 UPDATE:

Please expect customs delays and plan to allow for extra shipping time, as we don’t know what to expect this holiday season.

Over the past two weeks, there has been a substantial backlog at customs. The shipper and broker have implemented a new system, which caused a massive snag at customs, and it is slowly being cleared. Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your patience and trust throughout this process.

OCTOBER 16 UPDATE:

There is once again a delay at customs in Montana, and there is still no movement on packages I shipped since October 9th. We do not know the reason. As a result it may be a bit of time before your package is received by USPS (it has to clear customs first). I apologize for this, and hope it will be moving normally again soon. Some days it crosses with no delay, and others it takes several extra days. We are unfortunately at the mercy of everyone else who ships at the same time, the border agents, and how the broker handles the lot of our packages.


While I am looking into alternatives, for now this shipper is still the best option so as not to owe tariffs or exorbitant brokerage fees. I truly appreciate your patience during this new and complex process. I continue to ship packages within 1-2 business days, but if a customs delay does not work for you, please let me know.

SEPTEMBER 24 UPDATE:

Delivery time frames appear to be back on track — USPS is now receiving packages 1-2 business days after I deliver them to the courier. This indicates that the broker is clearing my packages smoothly under CUSMA. Please note that there may be periodic customs delays that are outside of my control. I continue to ship packages within 1-2 business days.

How are customs clearance fees handled when I order from Woodsmoke and Willow?

You will NOT pay tariffs when ordering from Woodsmoke and Willow. CUSMA-compliant products (eg: handmade jewelry) remain tariff-free, but still require customs clearance. Brokerage fees apply.

You will NOT face additional charges upon delivery. All brokerage fees are included in your shipping price.

I ship via courier (DYK Post) to the US border, and USPS from there. DYK Post handles the customs clearance process using the information I provide them. I will only find out about extra charges after they have already been processed, so I may adjust the shipping price if necessary.

All orders include a commercial invoice and Certificate of Origin stating that my product is handmade in Canada, from materials manufactured mostly in the U.S.

IF there end up being tariffs charged or rejected packages, I will suspend shipping to the US until I figure out how to add tariff charges. I do not believe this will happen, as long as CUSMA is in effect.

Will there be shipping delays? 

YES — especially in the early weeks after the de minimis changes take effect:

  • Carriers and customs systems are still adjusting on very short notice.

  • Shipments with incomplete paperwork may be delayed, held, or rejected. We are learning as we go.

  • There will likely be increased scrutiny of packages. Your packages may be opened for inspection. If anything is damaged, please contact me and we will work out a solution.

  • Please note that couriers such as UPS do NOT require that duties be paid prior to shipping. Using these services may mean you will pay upon delivery. The brokerage fees with these companies are often dramatic — please use caution. I am removing the option for now to avoid surprises.

  • Non-CUSMA products will incur a 35% tariff plus associated fees. None of my products fall into this category, but it IS something to be aware of when shopping from international sellers.

  • Canada and Mexico are the only countries with a free trade agreement such as CUSMA. All other countries will be subject to a blanket tariff rate on all goods. Please check with sellers before ordering internationally.

 
In summary…

Woodsmoke and Willow is currently continuing shipping to the U.S., but this may change based on customs backlogs, rejected packages, or documentation challenges.

Please bear with all small businesses, and know that we are doing everything we can to stick this out.