This article aims to provide the latest information on the updates made to the SimplyDuty system to accommodate the recent changes to US tariffs.

Since early March there have been multiple updates to US tariffs with some only being proposals, whilst others were implemented and then soon reversed or amended.

On April 2, 2025, Trump introduced a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports globally with some rates as high as 50% on top of current rates.

System Updates

API Users:

We have updated the system with all these additional tariffs via the TempTariff object in the API calls for those using the POST method.

As of 10/04/24 this function is now defaulted to ‘on’ (true) so there is no requirement to include it in your call but you can include it if you wish to switch off these additional tariffs. Just include “TempTariff”: false,

The online calculator has been updated with the same change. There is no option to switch off these additional tariffs via the online calculator

These latest import tariffs are considered to be on top of any previous tariffs. This means it will not be unreasonable to see 125%+ from China into US on some goods calculations. There are still many unknows as most of these changes are being released via the media with little to no official documentation updates.

Update 10/04/25: The ‘rest of world’ base rate has been updated again and should apply during the ’90 Day Pause’ issued by the US Government.

China

“China has also announced a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, effective April 10, 2025, matching the U.S.’s latest increase. This affects roughly $20 billion in U.S. exports, a smaller volume compared to U.S. tariffs due to the trade imbalance (U.S. imports from China vastly exceed exports). China also introduced non-tariff measures, including export controls on seven rare earth minerals critical for high-tech industries (e.g., samarium, gadolinium, dysprosium), and blacklisted 11 U.S. companies, accusing them of military ties with Taiwan. Additionally, China suspended some U.S. agricultural import qualifications and launched trade investigations into American medical imaging equipment.”

Update 9/04/25: The US to CN reciprocal tariffs have been added at the latest increased rate.

Update 14/05/25

On May 14, 2025, significant changes to reciprocal tariffs were implemented as part of a U.S.-China agreement to de-escalate trade tensions for a 90-day period.

The reciprocal tariff rate on Chinese-origin goods (including Hong Kong and Macau) was reduced from 34% to 10% for 90 days, until August 12, 2025. After this period, the tariff is set to revert to 34% unless further modified.

China reduced its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods from 34% (announced April 4, 2025) to 10% for 90 days and suspended additional retaliatory increases that had reached 125%

Update 29/05/25

May 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) unanimously ruled that President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), were illegal.
However, the tariffs, including the 10% baseline and the reduced 10% reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods (effective May 14, 2025, after the U.S.-China agreement), remain in effect for now.

Canada & Mexico

For Mexico and Canada we have not made any changes at this time but can add in any flat rates at short notice.

“The U.S., under President Donald Trump, implemented a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada starting March 4, 2025, with a reduced 10% tariff applied to Canadian energy products. This action was part of a broader policy targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, justified by the Trump administration as a response to illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across borders. However, exemptions were later introduced: on March 6, 2025, Trump signed executive orders delaying tariffs on goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for a month, and on April 2, 2025, the White House announced these exemptions would remain in place indefinitely. This means roughly 38% of Canadian imports to the U.S. avoid the 25% tariff if they meet USMCA rules of origin, though non-USMCA-compliant goods, including some steel, aluminum, and energy products, remain subject to tariffs.”

As soon as we have HS Code level data from an official US customs data provider (or the WTO) we will be able to implement these variations from the USMCA rates. The same applies with regards to Mexico.

Also, due to this lack of HS Code level data, we also have NOT included the blanket 25% tariffs on ‘automobiles’ at this time.

The post 2025 Reciprocal US Tariffs appeared first on SimplyDuty.

The government has provided advice about the international movement of both plants and animals which are protected should there be a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.
In order to minimise disruption, a permit will be required, and travel will only be permitted via certain ports.

• To guarantee enough system capacity, the government has increased the quantity of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) points of entry/exit.

• Those involved in moving CITES regulated species will need to apply to the Animal and Plant Health Agency for a permit or complete an import notification form.

• CITES species will only be able to travel via certain ports, thus transport routes may be restricted. Those normally using busy routes such as the Eurotunnel may need to make alternative arrangements as these ports will not be included.

Full details can be found at GOV.UK about CITES permits and points of entry.

Customs, VAT and Excise regulations

Should the UK leave the EU without a deal, legislation will need to be put in place to protect the Customs, VAT and Excise regulations and functions. In order to do this, HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs have begun to prepare a series of Statutory Instruments (SIs) under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (TCTA) and the EU Withdrawal Act 2018 (EUWA).

The legislation will look at replicating the current EU legislation whilst at the same time putting in place new policies to prevent disruption and keep trade flowing smoothly across the UK’s borders. Guides will be available about importing/exporting, advising businesses on what steps they should take with a no-deal scenario. HMRC has already written to businesses who trade with the EU, advising what actions need to be taken and what they need to be aware of. Further communications will follow as we get closer to EU exit day.

The only key element missing from the Government guidance at this time is clarification on what tariff codes would apply on leaving the EU with no-deal. This data is particularly important as it forms the basis for calculating duties and taxes on imports into the UK.

SimplyDuty has requested several times that this information be made available but at this time HMRC has declined to provide the data (which has already been submitted to the WTO).

Trade Remedies Authority will protect UK businesses

The new independent trade remedies system will safeguard businesses in the UK due to any unfair trading practices that may occur when we leave the EU. This would include such things as surges in imports, dumping and subsidies. The TRA should be ready by the 29th March 2019. The new system will comply with WTO rules and will include a statutory appeals system for all trade remedies decisions.

Also included will be a new TRA website which will enable users to submit applications online. The new authority will be Reading based, responsible for investigating unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports whilst at the same time able to recommend new measures to protect UK industries.
Binding Tariff Information (BTI) new digital system

For those businesses with a UK-issued BTI ruling, this will remain valid until its expiry date or until revoked. However, for those looking to renew a BTI if the UK departs the EU without a deal, there will be changes. Many businesses will have already received a letter from HMRC inviting them to try out the new BTI digital system.

Available via GOV.UK, in order to use the new digital BTI, you will simply need the same information as at present i.e.

• Government Gateway user ID
• Password
• Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

BTI rulings will be referred to as ‘advanced rulings.

The benefits of a BTI ruling is that a business can be sure that they are importing on the correct hs tariff code. This prevents any misclassification on import and reduces erroneous customs charges.

To find out more or to register to use the new digital service, email: HMRC-DDCYteam-bindingtariff-g@digital.hmrc.gov.uk. You need to show ‘BTI Application – user research’ in your email header/subject line. For further details, search for ‘Notice 600’ on GOV.UK or email: tariff.classification@hmrc.gov.uk.

Alternatively, in order to stay up-to-date, register for HMRC’s EU Exit update service via: www.gov.uk/hmrc/business-support. Choose ‘business help and education emails’, enter your email address, press ‘submit’, choose ‘Add subscription’, select ‘EU Exit’ then press ‘submit’.

References

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-no-deal-eu-exit-advice-on-travel-changes-for-protected-animals-and-plants?utm_source=30fcdb14-2be1-4453-8bfa-8b51edb59746&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/customs-vat-and-excise-regulations-leaving-the-eu-with-no-deal?utm_source=5891a8aa-0b0c-4ad6-8b5d-5dc61419787f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/trade-remedies-authority-on-track-to-protect-uk-industry?utm_source=9d41f27d-6062-4c9b-bfd9-31de42ab47ef&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772213/Letters_to_traders_BTI_no_deal_EU_Exit.pdf

The post GOVERNMENT ‘NO DEAL’ EU EXIT ADVICE FOR JANUARY 2019 appeared first on SimplyDuty.

Regardless of the outcome, SimplyDuty will continue to offer and develop product/HS Code classification tools for our customers, along with our duty and tax calculator/APIs.

UK Government Guidance

It is unlikely that the UK will exit the EU via a ‘no deal’ scenario as both parties wish to secure a negotiated outcome. However, being prepared is key, so the government has to look at what would happen should the outcome not go as expected.

They have been working on plans to ensure readiness to cope with all scenarios for the last two years, including a ‘no deal’ result, come March 2019 and have produced a series of technical notices to explain what businesses would need to do in a ‘no deal’ situation. This way they can be fully prepared, with the government doing all possible to ensure an orderly exit.

This technical notice is just one available, covering the movement of goods between the UK and the EU after exit. It is recommended that it should be read alongside the notice entitled ‘Trading with the EU if there’s no Brexit deal and Trade Agreement Continuity’.

Should the UK depart the EU with no agreement, then EU goods will be treated as goods from elsewhere in the world are treated now, until such a time as a preferential trading agreement can be established’.

This notice looks at how businesses will identify goods, establishing which duties and rules apply under the declaration process (see the ‘Trading with the EU if there’s no Brexit deal’ notice).

It is very relevant to companies that trade predominantly with the EU, where there are currently no tariffs on UK exports or imports to or from the EU and where the declaration process does not apply.

Before 29 March 2019

Currently, the UK is a member of the European Union, its Single Market and Customs Union. It applies the EU’s Common Customs Tariff (CCT) at the external EU border.

• For goods moving between EU countries, there are no customs duties or routine interventions during the movement of goods.
• For goods entering the EU’s Customs Territory from the rest of the world (“third country goods”), an import declaration will be required. Customs formalities and checks will be carried out and duties must be paid.
• Imports from a country where the EU has a free trade agreement may obtain preferential rates of duty and rules of origin.
• Imports from a country where the EU does not have a free trade agreement will be subject to the EU’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates of duty and non-preferential rules of origin.

After March 2019 if there’s no deal

When the UK leaves the EU it will depart the single market and Customs Union.

If a ‘no deal’ situation occurs, goods traded between the UK and the EU after 29 March 2019 will be treated as third country goods.

• For UK exports to the EU, the EU will require payment of duty at the rate set via the EU’s CCT.
• For goods imported to the UK from the EU, the UK will require payment of duty at the rate set by the UK Government.

Businesses should also take account of the following:

• The Cross-Border Trade Bill will allow the UK to set its own tariff once it leaves the EU.
• In a ‘no deal’ scenario, trade with the EU will be on non-preferential, WTO terms.
• The EU will apply MFN rates to goods imported into the EU from the UK.
• The UK will apply its MFN rates to goods imported into the UK from the EU.
• The UK will offer unilateral preferences to developing countries, and to transition all EU Free Trade Agreements for day 1 in order to ensure continuity.
• The UK Trade Tariff will be made available free on GOV.UK.
• The UK does not intend to immediately change the classification of goods in a “no deal” scenario.

If your business imports goods into the UK from the EU or exports to the EU, you would now have to comply with all customs procedures.

Establishing a UK Trade Tariff

The Cross-Border Trade Bill provides the powers for HM Treasury to establish a new UK trade tariff.
The importer must use the tariff to decide the correct classification of their goods. This will result in a numeric commodity code which will be listed in the Tariff with the rate of import duty applicable.
The Tariff will also set out import procedures i.e. how the value of goods is calculated, and which forms, codes, and procedures should be used. The UK Trade Tariff will replace the EU CCT for imports to the UK.

UK Commodity Codes

Commodity codes in the EU are 10 digits long for imports, and 8 digits long for exports. The UK will remain a participating country in this system.

Northern Irish businesses importing and exporting to Ireland

The UK government states that it will respect their relationship with Ireland via the Belfast Agreement. If a ‘no deal’ situation exists, the Irish government would need to discuss arrangements.

For full details please refer to:

UK Government No Brexit Deal Product Classification Guidance

The post How to classify your goods if there is a ‘No Brexit’? appeared first on SimplyDuty.

What is the GCC?

Originally known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, it is a regional union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, not including Iraq. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are all members of the GCC.

So What Does it all Mean?

To summarise the change, import VAT will now payable in addition to any customs duty due on movements of goods into the GCC. This rate is currently set at 5% (01/01/18)

As will all VAT mechanisms there are various things which will determine how & when this paid or collected. For instance, if the importer of record is VAT registered a reverse-charge mechanism will allow the importer to ‘pay’ and ‘recover’ the import VAT at the same time, resulting in a zero impact on cash flow. Reverse charging is a common mechanism most notably used across the customs union.

Reverse charge is only applicable if purchases are made outside the zone(s) included so if all purchases are made at a local level, a reverse charge does not apply.

VAT on imports to the UAE and other GCC destinations will be applied on top of any duty charges.

The UAE is a large importer of goods and services and the additional VAT will need to be carefully considered by importers especially those importing goods no for resale as this will be an add to cost to the total landed value of the goods. The assumption should be made that VAT is applicable regardless of how you account for it after import.

The UAE is one of the GCC countries we offer duty calculations on with further GCC destinations to be added throughout 2018. The new VAT rate of 5% has been added to the UAE import data we hold.

The post UAE, The GCC & VAT appeared first on SimplyDuty.

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a world leader in package delivery. The company started in Seattle, Washington as a private messenger and delivery service in 1907. It has since grown to be a leader in world’s package delivery business, the largest provider of worldwide supply chain management solutions and the biggest provider in the less-than-truckload industry in USA. Over 1.5 Million senders and 7.9 receivers have their packages delivered by UPS each business day in over 220 nations and territories. A total of 4.9 Billion packages were delivered in 2013 alone.

Therefore, UPS is a worldwide leader in logistics, creating value for customers at low cost and reliable supply chain.

Growth Strategy

Customers rely on the company’s wide array of logistics capability, worldwide presence, reliability, and advanced technology for a cutting-edge lead in markets they choose to lead. The company has also invested in expansion and coordination of its worldwide network thus creating customer-friendly shipping, e-commerce, logistics management and visibility tools for the clients.

The growth strategy at UPS entails the following:

1) Offering technology-enabled services.

2) Providing distinct and particular client solutions as per industry requirements.

3) Increasing their worldwide network.

4) Addressing client needs worldwide.

Divisions, Products and Services

• U.S Local Package Reporting Division. Offers an array of American local underwritten ground and air package delivery services.
• Global Package Reporting Division. It involves the small package delivery in the rest of the world except Oceania under a selected underwritten day and time-specific international shipping services.
• Distribution Chain & Freight Reporting Division. Elaborate distribution chain requiring a worldwide service that involves both transportation and distribution on global trade and brokerage services with both monetary and information services.
• Consignment Forwarding. The company offers both full ocean full-container load and less-than-container load movement between any two major ports globally. This had been made possible due to UPS being a leader in global air freight services both in the United States domestic market and the rest of the world.
• Customs Distribution. UPS is one of the top customs brokers by yearly deliveries processed and the number of committed brokerage workers globally.
• Supply services. The company’s immense global distribution centres enable comprehensive management, flow of goods, preparation and shipment. This saves time, resources and brings packages closer to the customers.
• Post sales. This refers to services offered after delivery of goods. The company ensures that particular goods are at correct destinations within the distribution network to meet the needs of the clients.
• UPS Mail Transformation. Offers a cheaper way of sending light mail to international clients from the U.S. Clients local and global mails are sorted and posted in safe containers and delivered to required locations.

UPS Consignment. Gives both regional and inter-regional and long distance less than truckload (LTL) services all over the United States, Canada and Mexico.

UPS Capital. Offers both export and import financing to reduce risks and, goods protection and payment services.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

1) Consolidated International Network.

The company has a merged ground and air matrix of localized canters that receive and send clients goods. It, therefore, handles a wide array of different goods in all levels of services.

2) International Presence.

UPS is an international company serving over 220 countries distributed all over the world giving it a presence in all major economies.

3) Advanced Technology.

UPS’s technological innovations ensure lower costs, improved service and reliability.

4) Broad Choice of Services.

Clients are able to pick from an array of services depending on their suitability.

5) Customer relationships.

The company’s staff maintains a long-term relationship with over 9.4 million clients.

6) Distinctive culture.

The dedicated staff is offered part of the company stock thus facilitating employee-ownership concept

7) Financial strength.

Adequate financial reserve enables technological advancement, innovation and perusing new opportunities in the industry.

Competition.

UPS being a leader in world package delivery business also faces competition from both local and international firms that offer various financial services, cargo carries express firms and others.

FedEx

FedEx is a freight company that started as Federal Express in 1973 in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A. The company was incorporated in 1997 as FedEx, borrowing the first two syllables from the parent company’s name. It pioneered in overnight freight services and package tracking systems and real-time information on package location to locate lost or misplaced packages. This made it a popular and highly reliable freight services provider thus becoming a major carrier for high priority cargo in the United States. It expanded rapidly internationally while acquiring local freighters in the 1980s.

It is a 1989-Acquired Tiger International Inc., bringing new routes to 21 countries. The resultant integration made FedEx world’s biggest full-service cargo airline.

In 1995, it acquired the authority to serve China by possessing the license from Evergreen International Airlines. This made it the only direct U.S-China freight service provider at the time.

The company has since grown to be the world’s largest express all-cargo carrier making 3.6 Million shipments daily in over 220 countries and territories.

The Company’s Organization Portfolio

FedEx Corporation

1) FedEx Services.

It is concerned with the application of e-commerce in the international supply chain and linking innovation and services clients require.

2) FedEx Office

Specializes in freight and printing services including copying, renting out computers, professional editing and corporate finishing and print solutions.

3) FedEx Express

Keeps an international network serving 360 airports to provide time-conscious air-round deliveries in 220 countries.

4) TNT

Offers cheaper delivery services for documents and lightweight parcels both through air and road worldwide

5) FedEx X Trade Networks

Consolidates air and sea shipping services whilst minding the clients’ needs. FedEx Cross border-It links international transactions across borders facilitating e-commerce in all its branches.

6) FedEx Ground

Offers clients a reliable enterprise-to-enterprise delivery or residential service.

7) FedEx Supply Chain

Provides consolidated solutions to the advantage of customers and improved management of the supply network.

8) FedEx Freight

Covers entire North America and U.S territories for less-than-truckload (LTL) services based on the client’s freight needs.

9) FedEx Custom Critical

It handles most urgent cargo, hazardous goods or valuable items on daily basis by door to door services. Offering DDP solutions to allow clients to ship having prepaid estimated import duties.

Over 90 per cent of the world GDP is connected by FEDEX with its team of 550,000. The company is ranked among the worlds top most admired companies.

The post FEDEX V UPS – The Battle Continues appeared first on SimplyDuty.

Focusing on the negative

When disruption takes place, whether due to bad weather, breakdowns or labour shortages, logistics suddenly take a prime slot with regard to our time.   When this happens, it is all too easy to focus on the bad things and end up with a negative impression of the logistics system in general; the irritation of having to share resources like roads, trucks and warehousing with others is enhanced, as are the many difficult tasks often faced by logistics managers.

However, despite the many intricacies of logistics and the potential pitfalls that can occur, logistics are and always will be a crucial part of modern life and essential to many businesses.  With this in mind, much is done throughout the UK and Europe to promote and market logistics in a very positive way, with trade fairs and promotions taking place to show the industry in a good light.  Logistics will always be essential when it comes to the running of the economy globally; the sector may face many challenges and keeping logistics running smoothly and efficiently may not always be easy but it is something that is crucial and indispensable.

Managing your logistics

When it comes to your company’s logistics plans, they need to run smoothly alongside corporate strategy and the two should influence each other; for instance, if selling at low prices is one of your company USPs then your logistics plan should involve moving your goods for the lowest cost.  If instead, your USP is one of speed, then you need your logistics strategy to take this into account and it follows that if quality is your thing, then delivering orders absolutely on time every time is what you need to do.

Whatever your company’s logistics management strategy you need to always live up to client expectations.  Obtaining the fastest, most efficient and cost-effective carrier to handle your products is imperative if you are to run a successful business.  No matter your sector of operation, a well-run and well-managed supply chain is critical to advancement.  It is worth taking the time to get it right as you will be more able to deal with competitors and your productivity will take a boost.  By being proactive and doing all possible to look out for and avoid supply chain disruption, you can prevent your business from being handicapped and suffering a dent in its reputation.

Essential systems and processes

Most of all, you need to have systems and processes in place that will help mitigate any extenuating circumstances in the supply chain.  Forward planning has to be done effectively and carefully and no shortcuts should ever be taken.  Much better to spend a little time getting things absolutely spot-on than having to spend days dealing with the chaos generated by hiccups in the supply chain logistics.  Of course, much will depend on the type of products that you are shifting.  Are they liable to spoil if delayed in transit?  Do you have to move fragile goods that may suffer if handled mechanically and not by hand?  Your contingency plans that kick in in case of logistical problems need to be harnessed to the right solution.  If you are pulling products together from different parts of the globe then your technology also needs to be capable of linking communications in order to provide consistent contact and connections.  Dealing with problems as they occur in real time is so much more effective than trying to put things right after the event.  Your business will be successful if your supply chain is robust and intelligent and getting management involved at the right time can eradicate customer service issues in the future.

Planning ahead

By identifying the right solutions well in advance, you can change the way you operate within what is often an uncertain and frenetic market.  Warehouse processes need to be well controlled, fleets tracked and inventory kept a check of.  Whether you have your own warehousing or are making use of a shared warehousing facility that is handling a massive number of shipments year after year then you need to choose one that makes use of additional help at peak times and places a high value on speed and accuracy.  Relying on memory and what is in your head or the minds of others within the team is no replacement for a sophisticated process that keeps on going even when memories do not.  When it comes to logistics, don’t make the error of relying too much on manual processes as this can waste time and money, preventing a business from achieving its full potential.  Forward planning is the key when it comes to keeping logistics logical, whether you decide to use fleet management software, systems to keep a close watch on product inventory or to invest in maximising every inch of your warehouse space with improved processes.

Logical and consistent logistics

When it comes to current day logistics, system innovations are hitting the market every day and providing management with access to centralised data and real-time access to information such as hs code classification tools when and where they want it and in any country, home or abroad.  New technology linked to logistics is providing improved links for shippers to customer and customers to the end client, enabling fast and flexible responses that make great strides when it comes to staying ahead of the competition.  Logistics today can be as mobile as you need them to be; by accessing and using data in the right way, you can propel your business forward with logistics that remain logical and consistent all of the time.

The post Logical logistics – making them work appeared first on SimplyDuty.

The post Brexit, BIFA and BPA: what’s going on? appeared first on SimplyDuty.

The post May’s Brexit plan – how will the freight and parcel groups be affected? appeared first on SimplyDuty.

The post Amazon joins the sea freight business appeared first on SimplyDuty.

The post Nine Point Nitty-Gritty From May’s Brexit Speech appeared first on SimplyDuty.