How will the recently implemented tariffs affect your doll collecting?

@PinkBear - I believe the DHL suspension is only regarding shipments from Germany as it's the national parcel service here - countries that only use DHL as a commercial service may not be similarly affected.

 

It might be due to both the lower volume of orders being shipped to the USA and the nature of the good — they might not be expecting it to have a huge impact on their sales, even if some will experience problems.

Most of the discourse I’ve seen around that has to do with problems shipping to the USA has been from sellers in the UK who sell a lot of very low-value goods like custom stickers and junk journaling supplies (just as an example). Americans are a significant chunk of their customer base and many have expressed concerns over losing this market due to the tariff situation.

The (UK based) sales platforms they work from have been very forward with their sellers with the problem. I think Etsy has also been forward about advising sellers to suspend orders to the USA.

It makes sense that they’d be more upfront with announcements considering that they are the sort of market that would have a disproportionate number of returned parcels. No one is going to pay an $80-200 parcel fee for a $5 sticker. The more stuff that gets returned, the higher the risk of the item being lost, plus the seller is probably the one eating the cost of the shipment fee.

I would imagine that for something like a doll, people will be more inclined to pay the extra fee. Might be why the sites you mentioned haven’t said anything (though I think they should)

Hopefully my example isn’t considered too wildly off topic — the same applies to other lower value doll goods, especially if any are coming from similar handcrafted sources. Clothes, wigs, etc.

 

Just going to add in my two cents, since it happened to me about two weeks ago. At the tail end of July, I had some SD heads 3D printed online, and I was charged $80: $55 for both heads and then $25 for two day shipping to the USA from China. On Thursday, I got notice that the heads had cleared production and were being shipped. Come that Friday morning, I got a text from DHL saying that I needed to pay $40 in tariff charges because the heads were already in LA by that point. Mind blown, but okay. I just went ahead and paid it because I had/have no idea when I might be able to order them again, much less at such a good setup. They came that following Monday as scheduled.

For context, I had read just days prior to placing my order that the tariff thing wasn't taking effect until September. Clearly, that wasn't the case, but I'm glad I got what I needed and here's to hoping this circus ends sooner than later.

 

Update for any US people buying from Australia. This is Australia Post's official announcement: International post guide

The tl;dr is AusPost will currently ship to the US but advises senders to be as accurate as possible with customs declarations.
We have an online customs declaration form that allows us to type in what we're sending and select the appropriate category, but what I've heard from my local post office is they're concerned if US customs will baulk if an item is slightly in the wrong category. This has me a bit worried whether a BJD fits into the same category as playline dolls, which are what show up if you type "doll" into the form.

At time of writing, all Australian-made items are also subject to a 10% tariff.

Precarious times for sellers and buyers indeed...

 

Tariffs on stuff imported from China have been in effect for some months now.

What happens in September (29 August really) is that the de minimus exception of $800 is going away when it comes to importing from anywhere in the world. Tarriffs from every country, to put it simply.

 

Thank you for that!!! I’ve suspended selling to the US for my Etsy store for now, as I can’t work out what’s going on at all. I think it is a concern that BJD stuff often gets lumped in with actual kids toys, but they shouldn’t be in that category. But I don’t know what category BJD clothes should be in? I hope it all becomes clearer, but I’m not game to ship anything right now just in case!

 

I know it seems weird, but even really expensive/delicate collector or art dolls here are classified as “toys,” at least when it comes to imports. Same with anything that is meant for a toy, like doll clothes.

In this context, they don’t distinguish dolls meant for children versus dolls meant for adults.

It’s a whole different matter if toys are marketed and meant to be sold towards children — then there are regulations here about what materials are allowed to be used— no hazmats, no sharp pieces, nor parts that could cause choking, etc. BJDs aren’t marketed towards children and don’t have say, a sticker on the box that says 8+ or a seal that shows that they are made in keeping with the regulations on toys meant for children.

 

Wouldn't ball jointed dolls actually be classified as "art"?

 

Most people ear the word "doll" and assume toy of some kind, so while people who collect bjd's know they're more complex than that, for basic categorization from people who don't (ie the government customs offices), toy is what makes sense. Like Leenah said, they don't distinguish between dolls for kids and dolls for adults. It's the same with collectible figures from anime or similar things that are meant for display or garage kits for building figures.

 

I'm also in the US and can't belive what a mess it is we're having to deal with.

I probably won't be buying anything new for the foreseeable future, and because of that I impulse purchase one of the new volks standard dolls because even with international shipping its usually a lot less than volks usa... but they took a minute to get her out the door and I was thinking this was going to be a FAFO moment for me. Luckily they got her on a plane and she'll be here tomorrow but we missed the dhl and over all tariff window by a hair.

I know it'll get figured out eventually but for the time being if I want something new, it'll be me making new clothing and shopping from my fabric stash.

 

@PinkBear Thank you for that update. I had just checked earlier today if South Korea was suspending shipments and there wasn’t anything about EMS doing this yet at the time that I checked.

I am waiting for a doll from Luts — she hasn’t shipped yet. Even if she’s ready this week, she won’t be shipped until who knows when

 

This past Saturday was a good day. My second attempt getting my doll from Japan via EMS was successful, thank goodness. (Postal carrier this time did not ring my doorbell and instead left my package in front of my gate during a heatwave, but that's another story...)

Buying overseas at the moment is volatile; not fun. Now that I have nothing pending from abroad, I'm unwilling to ride this coaster again. Will hang tight and stick to US-based sales for now.

Fingers firmly crossed for everybody in the US waiting on a pending international shipments.

 

@PinkBear yes thank you for that update! I'm really sad about it but also feel weirdly justified having made those bigger clothing orders last month... otherwise I'd have had to ask my coworker with family there if she'd buy me tiny jeans when she visits...

I have a small package from Mercari Japan/Buyee that had gotten stuck in customs for a very long time but now says it's coming Tuesday. Early start to the slowdown, maybe. I wanted to buy a doll from Mandarake (cheap!) for a dear friend, but agree with Nikittin... it feels too volatile right now.

Relieved secondhand every time someone here gets a package, though! The artist communities I'm in, internationally, are... very worried. The best we can do is information sharing and emotional support, really!

 

European postal services suspend shipment of packages to US over tariffs

On Saturday, postal services around Europe announced that they are suspending the shipment of many packages to the United States amid confusion over new import duties.

Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy said they will stop shipping most merchandise to the U.S. effective immediately. France and Austria will follow on Monday.

The U.K.'s Royal Mail said it would halt shipments to the U.S. on Tuesday to allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in. Items originating in the United Kingdom worth over $100 — including gifts to friends and family — will incur a 10% duty, it said.

“Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future, what additional data will be required, and how the data transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be carried out,” DHL, the largest shipping provider in Europe, said in a statement.

The company said starting Saturday it “will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US.”

 

Wonder what is going to happen to the wig I ordered. It was coming from Europe, maybe I'll get a refund.

I hope this means that we'll see more US crafters selling doll clothes and such. This whole thing feels very isolating.

 

Unfortunately Joann’s closed, eliminating the accessibility of fabric for a lot of Americans. Even aside from that, most fabric and crafting supplies is imported from elsewhere and has already drastically gone up in price.

The difficulty of getting new dolls will probably result in lower demand for doll goods made here too.

 

Well, I haven't really been collecting for almost two years because of finances and time poverty (why even dream of spending if I don't have time to enjoy my purchases?) but nevertheless, the idea of new and unpredictable tariffs does affect me. I do still have dreams of what if I could get a new body or head or doll secondhand... But now there is no question, I would buy only from the United States. And selection we have these days for other things already depresses me. This would be less restrictive in times where Etsy was still flourishing, where there were more authorized dealers here. Since I have to be so careful about every unnecessary purchase I can't gamble on spending extra to import. I scoured Etsy two days ago for decent eyes I could afford in the US for some dolls I have already had but simply can't work on until they have eyes too. I'm happy to support local makers and suppliers and the local second hand market, I always have been, but I agree with the poster above @Klaw that this does feel very isolating.
If there is anything at all I'm feeling an even forced hope about it's that maybe our domestic second hand market will perk up again at all. (Maybe it's not even bad? But I don't know as I only check den of Angels anymore) People have got to have second hand stuff stashed away in their cabinets just waiting to get sold or traded The idea of it is slightly motivating for me in sad times.

 

Japan Post is now also suspended (via Buyee). They're warning packages that already shipped may be returned. That includes EMS, since I saw someone say elsewhere it did not. Buyee suggests ECMS or Buyee Air as the only viable options.

They did say "temporary," but it really is one after another. I knew Japan would be next. I sure hope my package, in NY, is not returned. Fingers crossed no one else has outstanding EMS parcels.

 

I can confirm that the Swedish postal service Postnord has suspended deliveries of goods to USA.
There are some exceptions: Gifts with a value under 100 American dollars. Goods with a value over 800 American dollars.

Regular mail (letters, post cards etc.) will be delivered as usual.

Source (english version): Postnord

 

Australia have now suspended shipping to the US: International post guide

It seems that when US services resume, currently TBA, Australia Post will use a third-party service called Zonos, which is approved by US customs.

I have no idea what this will mean in terms of extra costs for buyers as the AusPost announcement mentioned Zonos will "invoice you (the sender) direct for duties".

It's just a bummer because the vast majority of secondhand bjd and bjd accessory sales in the English-speaking world involve US buyers or sellers.
I can't imagine people outside the US looking to sell secondhand BJDs and accessories are going to have much interest in the near future...

 

Hope my order from SartoriaJ (currently in CA) makes it home. I did just get in two packages of my Labubu keychains that shipped from China today, so maybe my Korean package will arrive safe and sound too? This whole debacle is such a cluster.

 

I noticed today that a few eBay vendors (non-doll items) put up a notice that they will not be selling to US buyers for now. It does feel very isolating, that is the perfect word.

Regarding fabric, your town may have a quilting supply store, which at least would be a source of cotton fabric and notions. Also, every old sewist I know (including me ) has a huge stash of unused fabric. I wonder if a Craigslist ad would find you someone willing to sell fabric. For the same reason, estate sales are pretty good places to find things.

I still have two outstanding orders at Alice's Collections which I'm trying not to think about.

 

I find my best fabric in thrift stores and antique shops.

 

Ugh, I have an Alice's order I'm worried about. And who knows when my body from Withdoll will even be ready to be shipped.

But thankfully my Melody.C order came today via FedEx without duties (they marked it as $1 unasked). And I had another item from China arrive via UniUni also without charges.

 

I spoke too soon. My Lemon from Luts was marked as shipped today I wish I could feel excited but instead I just feel stressed — she won’t actually be leaving South Korea until who knows when. She’s been shipped via EMS, but that’s been suspended.

 

Dollyteria also sent out a notice about not shipping to the US for the time being. Buyee is also adding tariff fees to their shipping quotes.

 

Just got a shipping notice from AileenDoll - hoping my new doll passes through to the USA without much hassle. I'm very worried I'm going to be hit with huge tarriffs that I did not expect.

 

I currently waiting for things from both Alice's collections (for two separate orders) and an artist in the Philippines (two artist cast-heads and two commissioned wigs) and the earliest potential ship out date is for mid next month (mid September). Not gonna lie, I am worried about order/s getting lost because of things over here being so very unsettled. : (

I trust the people at AC and the artist making my other stuff (LTCraft), they are doing their best and I will happily say nice things about both of them.

 

Thank you @Lillith. I had not seen that with Postnord.

Im in Denmark (EU) and it's a pain to get package From the US, at the moment. I have a package that have been sending back and forth for nearly 3 month now ( send the 6.6, but never left the US). Danmark apparently thinking that "doll" means dangerous things right now, so Us cannot send the doll. But could fine get a doll in may ( from US) that was label as " other art" ... Seller is stil waiting for the package to get back to her... she have offered full payback, but I really want that doll...

So It's not just the US people that have problems getting things in... It is apparently hard to send things out... but I don't know if it's just Denmark. I just wanted to warn people who sell from the US .

So going forward, I will have to stop buying dolls from the US, at least for now :/ ( I do have a order at Denverdoll and bjdivas, but that's that). I hope it will go back to something normal one day..

 

@Dothea In Norway I haven't heard there being any issues of getting packages from the US but now I won't take any chances aha..

 

@Rosenfinch As mention before, I don't know if it's just Denmark ( And it's not just dolls, but several things..). At least check with you government first. maybe Norway is not that strict .

 

I received my Buyee EMS package today, no fees. Honestly, I think just because I got in BARELY outside the window where it might have been sent back, or not have been sent at all. Fwiw, Buyee marked the items accurately, and only one said "doll" (pair of dealer-made glass eyes; the other two items are for my BJDs, but sold as keychains/miniatures).

I will be redirecting all my good package vibes to everyone else now. And general good vibes that... somehow all this is short-lived.

 

I've got an order from Resinsoul that will be shipped in the next few days and two wigs that won't be ready until December. I'm concerned to say the least.

I'm in the US and am essentially landlocked. This will ultimately put a halt on all of my purchasing as almost all of my favorite shops are from elsewhere.

 

Again, this isn't even in my top 10 most pressing concerns regarding Current Events in the States right now, but I've got Dollfie Dream Sakura Miku on order and now I don't know if she'll even be able to ship to me, since her estimated shipping date is December.

She was supposed to be a graduation present for finishing my master's degree. I'm honestly a bit gutted.

 

At least everyone BIG and small will suffer this holiday season. I wont be buying SH*T

 

Early this morning I paid my shipping invoice from buyee 7548 yen shipping + 10,180 yen customs duty = 126.05 usd for 1 msd bjd and 2 msd outfits from seperate mecari japan listings but consolidated into one package. Shipping method ECMS and they listed each item as a plush doll.

 

I am so so sorry .... Good grief

 

Hello, I recently made a purchase with legenddoll and it’s been shipped via UPS I was told not to worry about tariffs. Has anyone had a similar experience?

 

Update from local : The ems to usa from Japan is now totally suspended. There are still a few other way to send small item to the usa though.

I wish this resolve in a good way soon

 

Which makes even less sense then, because I've been ordering stuff from China all over the place in the midst of it all. Everything I've ordered has been under $100.00 even with shipping, including this order. This was the first time I'd ever gotten hit with them.

 

International ordering of anything for me (in USA) has just- as of this week- ground to a smashing HALT. The rules at the moment are making it really costly, complicated, or both.

 

I’m not going to be able to give a certain answer to what happened, but here are the first few things that come to mind:

1. China has been doing some prepaid tariffs. I personally experienced this through buying something on eBay. I was not charged tariffs directly, rather they were included in the price (which had been $28 one week and then around $36 the next). The tariffs were “paid” by the seller when the shipping cost had been paid for.

2. China has been using other shipping routes to circumvent their customers having to pay tariffs. Now that every country is subject to tariffs, it doesn’t matter which route China makes to get a parcel to a USA customer, everything gets tariffed

 

I think both your points are true for this case, because it is very rare that I use DHL and a lot of my orders are from China on eBay that use airmail by default. Though, speaking of eBay, I am now spotting a bunch of puppet listings from some international shops stating that they are suspending orders to the USA. Bleh.

 

Other than just China, it seems other countries may have to prepay tariffs when shipping to the US: for Australia, we'll have to go through a US Customs-approved third-party company to ship parcels. The announcement on Australia Post's website said this "enables duties to be collected and paid to CBP via Zonos® [the company in question] prior to your goods arriving in the US".
The implication from the announcements seems to be that these fees will be passed onto both senders and receivers of US-bound parcels, and as yet there's no information on how much postage will be to the US compared to the costs prior to the end of the de minimus.

 

I had heard of them before for some reason, but the fact that Zonos seems to be the only approved partner... I find it interesting. Canadian friends have been struggling with it, but they have to connect them to their own shops and then CanadaPost. Hopefully some of the major marketplaces will deal with some of that for seller, at least, but yeah it may well cost you in addition to us...

 

US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit earlier today deemed that the tariffs that have been imposed are illegal, though unfortunately nothing is going to be done about it until 14 October. Apparently this is to give the administration time to take it up with the Supreme Court. The tariffs for now are still very much in effect.

Makes me wonder how many countries will bother to add whole new systems to collect taxes for another country when it could change in about a month and a half.

What a mess.

 

I have nothing new to add, but I want to say I really appreciate the updates from our international members, because it's so hard to get current information on the US end.

 

What rotten timing to make my once in a lifetime Volks Sato FCS order as an American. And I just so happen to have a head out for a faceup in South Korea. Both were supposed to arrive sometime in late September.

 

@Ayaka Interesting that Canadians have to go through Zonos as well, and that it seems to be the only approved partner...

 

So far, none of my orders (doll-related or otherwise) have been hit by the tariffs, though at least two of them were sent by a less common method to avoid them. But I was just surprised by an email from DollSphere saying my order of two heads is on its way, via Yanwen. Not sure what to expect, under the current circumstances. I'll add my results later!

 

I was shocked at the price of shipping for a little doll dress because of the tariffs. No more buying from outside the USA for me.

 

I had my last doll arrive today. I had ordered through ACBJD. The doll was shipped via SF, followed by UPS when it got to the U.S.

I paid no tariffs on it so far. When I had a package come through FedEx the tariffs came a month later, so I am keeping that in mind in case I eventually get a bill. So far so so good.

That is last doll I will be getting for awhile, it was ordered before this mess started, and I am glad that I have no more dolls that I am waiting on. I have plenty of things to do with my current dolls. Good luck to everyone still waiting on something to come in.

 

For what it's worth, several anime figure sellers like amiami and HobbyLink Japan are currently dealing with the tariffs by holding on to the orders and just waiting it out for the moment. HLJ has a warehouse system already but amiami normally ships out on release but announced they would be holding stuff too. With the rules seemingly changing at a drop of a hat, I wonder if more companies/dealers of BJDs as well will end up just holding onto stock versus trying to ship it out while jumping through all the hoops to do so. Has anyone had a BJD they ordered be held without shipping, with or without a request from the buyer to do so? Has anyone asked about it recently(i.e. since the date of de minimus supposedly ending- though I know that legit just happened)? I don't know about space issues especially for smaller companies but if the tariffs are going to repealed with this legal case somehow, might it be best to just wait on shipping things to the USA until it blows over?

 

Waiting to ship might be a wise move, since the picture could change again in October. Supposedly that's when the Supreme Court will be ruling on whether universal tariffs are legal.

 

I want to know more about the tariff partner services and carriers charging both the seller and the recipient. to my knowledge the recipient bears the cost, so the double dipping seems opportunistic.

if the tariff is prepaid, i suppose you could see both getting charged if it was calculated incorrectly, but I've not seen any breakdowns yet of this kind of double invoicing. I know it takes time for these events to trickle through our pre-order driven market, I'm very interested to see how it shakes out.

another example: Dollmore's recent notice explains an 8% prepaid tariff via FedEx, but 4 days ago the rate from SKR to USA was published at 15% - hard to tell if it's a pricing consideration, or the recipient will also get a bill on delivery.

fingers crossed the Supreme Court is able to neutralise some of the more drastic changes. i hope the de minimus is under consideration to review and reinstate for at least most countries with an established rate and plan. I'm so saddened to see especially our community's (and others!) individual artists being deeply affected.