Running a handmade business already comes with enough “surprises” – a supplier backorder, a shipping hiccup, or that one customer who messages you a bazillion times a day! Now, add tariffs and customs changes to the mix. 🫠
I know your inbox is bursting at the seams and your to-do list is longer than a grocery store receipt – but we’ve gotta talk about something that could shake up your handmade business: tariffs, shipping, and that little thing called “de minimis.”
Beginning August 29, 2025, the U. S. de minimis exemption disappeared. If you’ve never had to think about customs fees or duties before, this change could feel like a rude awakening. But don’t panic — let’s break down what what’s happening, how it might affect your handmade biz, and what you can do about it.
🚨What’s Changing (and Why You Should Care)
Ok, so up until now, if you order supplies (or actual products) from outside the US with a value of UNDER $800, you didn’t have to worry about extra fees like tariffs, duties, or customs. That was thanks to something called the de minimis exemption (a trade policy that allowed low-value imports to enter the U.S. duty free, simplifying customs procedures and promoting e-commerce).
But, guess what? As of August 29, 2025, that exemption went away. Poof! ✨
What this means in plain English:
- No more free pass for imported supplies (or products) with a value of UNDER $800
- More “stuff” could get flagged for tariffs & duties
- Shipping = slower + possibly more expensive
🧵How This Might Affect Your Handmade Business
Let’s break it down by scenerio:
👉 US seller ordering supplies from outside the US:
- Packages may take longer to arrive (think yarn you order from Hobbii – if you order squishy yarn from Hobbii – be sure to read their FAQ)
- You could owe extra fees at the border
- Some international shippers are already hitting “pause”
👉 US seller buying supplies domestically:
- Higher costs and delays could trickle down to you
- You’re not off the hook – your suppliers might rely on imports
👉 US seller shipping to international customers:
- Other countries may hit US exports with their own tariffs
- Shipping costs could spike
👉 Non-US seller shipping into the US:
- Your US customers/buyers may get surprise fees at delivery
- You’ll need to decide:
- Build fees into your pricing?
- Add them to shipping charges?
- Pause US orders?
🛒 Etsy’s Hot Take
Etsy’s already weighing in with some suggestions:
- Switch to carriers that support Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) – like FedEx or UPS.
- DDP = seller prepays fees so the buyer isn’t blindsided
- Temporarily ban Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) carriers – like Australia Post, Canada Post, Evri, Royal Mail.
- Update your Etsy listings with clarity, for example:
- This price includes tariffs, duties, and fees
- OR Buyers are responsible for tariffs, duties, and fees
👀Heads up: US buyers aren’t used to this! You may need to do a little hand-holding through your listings and post-purchase messages.
✂️ The Bottom Line
No matter where you’re located, this change MIGHT:
- Slow down your shipping
- Eat into your profit
- Cause buyer confusion
It’s annoying, it’s messy, and it’s outside of our control!
✅ Quick Action Checklist: What to Do Next
Want to stay ahead of this? Here’s your bite-sized action plan:
- Check your supply chain –> Do you order anything from outside the US? Factor in possible delays + fees
- Talk to your shipping carriers –> Ask about DDP vs. DDU options if you ship internationally
- Update your listings –> Add a clear note about tariffs/duties so buyers aren’t blindsided
- Review your pricing –> Build in a buffer for higher shipping or supply costs
- Explore digital products –> No customs, no surprise fees, 100% profit control
Tariffs and shipping charges aren’t exactly fun to think about, but they don’t have to derail your handmade business. By reviewing your supply chain, communicating clearly with buyers, and maybe even exploring new ways to bring in revenue, you can stay one step ahead.
And hey – remember: your creativity is your superpower. While fees and shipping delays are out of your control, the way you adapt isn’t! Use this moment to get smarter, sharper, and maybe even a little more digital.