How much does it cost to Ship Snowdog parts to the USA?

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ORDER SNOWDOG PARTS FROM CANADA

We all know that Snowdogs are made in Russia, and it should be no surprise that many of the components used to build them are sourced elsewhere.  While a number of components are made in China, most of the components used to build a Snowdog are actually made in Turkey.  This means that there are still tariffs that apply, and as is the case with all tariffs, they are the sole responsibility of the importer of record, or the end customer.

Until recently, we could rely on the de minimis rule, which allowed shipments to the USA with a value of less than $800 to clear without any duties or taxes, but that rule was removed on Aug 29, 2025. 

For the past month or so, we’ve been advising U.S. customers that there will be extra costs and tariffs to pay on delivery, and that they could be significant.  To ease the inevitable shock, we did some research to find out just what those costs might look like on an average order of $100 

WE DID THE MATH.  IT ADDS UP!

On a shipment valued at $100 USD of products originating from Turkey and being shipped to the U.S. from Canada, a U.S. customer can expect to pay a variety of fees and tariffs. These costs can be significant, especially in relation to the value of the goods, due to minimum fee structures and the suspension of previous exemptions for low-value shipments.

Here is a breakdown of the potential costs:

1. Tariffs:

• Country-Specific Tariff: Goods from Turkey are subject to a 15% tariff.

• Calculation: 15% of $100 = $15.001
  
  

• Product-Specific Duty (Harmonized Tariff Schedule - HTS): This duty varies depending on the specific product's HTS code.2 The rate can range from 0% upwards. For the purpose of this example, let's assume a hypothetical HTS duty rate of 5%.
  
  

• Calculation: 5% of $100 = $5.00

2. Fees:

• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): This fee is calculated at 0.3464% of the shipment's value.3 However, there is a minimum fee for informal entries (most shipments under $2,500).
  

• The minimum MPF is $2.50. Since 0.3464% of $100 is only $0.35, the minimum fee will apply.

• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): This fee of 0.125% of the cargo value is only applicable to shipments arriving by sea.4 If the goods are transported from Canada to the U.S. by truck, rail, or air, this fee would not apply.5
  

• If shipped by sea: 0.125% of $100 = $0.13
• If shipped from Canada by land or air: $0.00

3. Other Costs:

• Customs Brokerage Fees: This is often the most significant cost for low-value shipments. A customs broker is typically required to handle the customs clearance process.

• Estimated Cost: Fees for a simple, low-value shipment can range from approximately $50 to $150, and sometimes more. This fee is for the service of preparing and filing the necessary import documentation.

6. Summary of Estimated Costs

Assuming the goods are shipped from Canada to the U.S. by truck or air (no HMF) and have a 5% HTS duty rate, the estimated total costs beyond the product and shipping would be:

Important Considerations for the U.S. Customer:

• The total cost of importing the $100 item could be more than the value of the item itself once all tariffs, fees, and brokerage costs are factored in.
• The suspension of the de minimis exemption means that even shipments of this low value are subject to these charges.
  
  
• The total above does not include the cost of shipping from Canada to the final U.S. destination.

HOW CAN WE MINIMIZE THESE COSTS?

There’s not much you can do to avoid tariffs, duties, or processing fees, but you CAN save some money if you have a customs broker that you trust, and that will only charge you a minimal fee for customs clearance.  If you specify a customs broker name at the time of your order, and assuming you have an agreement with that customs broker for a good price then your shipment will be handed to them to clear at the border.  If not, then the carrier you choose will clear it on your behalf at the going rate, which is usually at the higher end of the range.

WILL THESE NEW RULES BE IN PLACE FOREVER?

We hope these new tariff rules and the de minimis rule will revert back to the way they were before, so that our U.S. customers can get their Snowdog parts quicker and cheaper.  As the rules continue to evolve, we will post updates and keep our customers informed.  Stay tuned!

In the meantime, get outside!