CUSTOMERS IN THE USA:

SEPTEMBER 11 UPDATE:

The first batch of packages (shipped on September 2nd) was delayed by approximately 8 days. The reason is that some shippers using the same courier I use didn’t complete their paperwork correctly, and as a result, all shipments (even those that were prepared properly) were held until the broker could clear everything together. Today, they were finally released and handed to USPS, and began tracking.

Moving forward, this delay will be shorter and the process more efficient. I do not expect delays this long again.


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.

There is also a chance that customs may apply state taxes, in which case I will need to add those at checkout so that I can pay them when shipping. This is TBD.

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.