When ordering aftermarket performance parts from overseas, it’s important to understand how tariffs, customs duties, and import fees work when your shipment enters the United States. These charges are not set by Springrates or any other retailer—they are government-imposed fees collected at the border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs (also called customs duties or import taxes) are fees charged by the U.S. government on certain goods imported from other countries. The rates are determined by product type and country of origin, and they can vary depending on trade regulations.

For example, coilovers, lowering springs, air suspension kits, and other automotive performance parts shipped from manufacturers overseas may be subject to tariffs when entering the United States.

Who Collects the Tariffs?

Springrates does not charge or collect tariffs. Instead, your chosen shipping carrier—such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, or USPS—acts as the billing agent. They will calculate the tariff amount, pay it to Customs on your behalf, and then bill you directly.

  • The tariff will not appear on your order total at checkout.
  • You will receive a separate invoice or bill from the shipping carrier.
  • Payment must be made directly to the carrier before they release or deliver your shipment.

How Much Will I Be Charged?

Tariff rates are determined by the U.S. government and can range anywhere from a few percent to more than 25% of the product value, depending on the HS Code (Harmonized System code) and product classification.

Unfortunately, retailers like Springrates have no control over:

  • The tariff percentage applied
  • The total amount billed
  • When or how the carrier contacts you for payment

Related HS Codes

  • Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock absorbers): 8708.80
  • Coilovers (complete kit) — 8708.80.65.00
  • Lowering springs (sold separately) — 8708.80.15.00
  • Standalone shocks/struts — 8708.80.65.00
  • Air suspension kits (with dampers) — usually 8708.80.65.00
  • Air suspension/air management (without dampers) — 8708.80.81.00

What If I Think the Tariff Amount Is Wrong?

If you believe you were incorrectly charged or overcharged, you must contact the shipping carrier directly (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) to dispute the amount. Springrates does not see or receive copies of your tariff invoice, so we cannot review the charges for you.

When you receive your customs invoice from the carrier, carefully review the following:

  • Confirm that the tariff percentage applied matches the correct HS/HTS code for your product (for example, coilovers are generally 8708.80.65.00).
  • Verify that the tariff percentage was calculated against the correct declared value shown on your shipping documents.
  • If you notice a discrepancy, respond directly to the carrier with supporting documentation to have the charges corrected.

Only the shipping carrier can adjust or resubmit tariff charges with U.S. Customs. Springrates cannot intervene or change these amounts on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • Tariffs are government-imposed fees collected at the U.S. border.
  • They apply only to orders shipped from overseas into the USA.
  • Springrates does not control or collect these fees—they are billed by the shipping carrier.
  • Customers are responsible for paying tariffs directly to the carrier before receiving their shipment.
  • If you believe you were overcharged, you must dispute the invoice with the shipping company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tariffs apply to every order?

No, tariffs only apply to orders shipped from overseas into the United States. Domestic orders are not affected.

Why wasn’t the tariff shown at checkout?

Tariffs are separate government fees and are billed by the shipping carrier, not the retailer. That’s why they do not appear in your shopping cart total.

Can Springrates lower or remove my tariff charge?

No. Tariffs are set by the U.S. government and collected by your shipping carrier. We have no control over the rate or amount charged.

What should I do if I was billed incorrectly?

Contact your shipping carrier immediately. Provide them with your invoice and shipping documents so they can recalculate the tariff based on the correct HS code and declared value. Springrates does not have access to these invoices and cannot make corrections.

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