How Non-Dutiable Charges Can Reduce Your Import Duty Costs

Many importers don’t realize they may be overpaying customs duties simply because of how their invoices are structured. The good news? You may be able to reduce your import duty costs with one simple adjustment.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lets importers exclude non-dutiable charges—like freight, insurance, and other non-merchandise costs—from the dutiable value of their goods, as long as those charges are clearly itemized on customs documentation. UPS can help eligible importers do just that, leveraging a long-standing US Government program that many shippers still don’t know they can use.

How to Reduce Your Import Duties by Itemizing Non-Dutiable Charges

If UPS provides your origin services, manages your ocean freight, and handles your customs brokerage services, we can help you identify and separate dutiable vs non-dutiable costs before duties are calculated. This means you only pay duties on the true value of your goods, not the additional costs of moving them.

With years of experience navigating complex customs regulations, our team of customs brokers and ocean freight specialists is ready to simplify the process for you. By identifying opportunities to reduce duty costs, we can help you optimize international shipping and manage your budget more effectively.

Here’s What to Expect:

• Experienced Customs Guidance: Gain access to seasoned customs brokerage professionals and freight specialists who can streamline the US import process.

• Cost Reduction: Identify hidden opportunities to lower your customs duties.

• Simplified Processes: Let us assist you with the complexities of international shipping while you focus on growing your business.

Note: Because this solution depends on UPS managing both the ocean freight and the customs clearance process, it isn’t currently supported within the UPS^® Forwarding Hub. If you're a UPS Forwarding Hub customer, reach out directly. We’d love to explore how to tailor your setup for duty savings.

Getting Started With Customs Duty Savings

If you're already working with UPS Supply Chain Solutions, reach out to your account representative or our Ocean Product Team. We’ll collaborate with our brokerage team to review your current setup and determine whether this approach could help reduce your duty costs.

Ask About Reducing Your Duty Costs