DOT Import Duties on Bicycle Rims

[stevers]

I finally took the dive and learned how to build wheels, specifically to upgrade the wife's 26er wheelset to something that could take xd cassettes. 26" carbon Light Bicycle rims for ~$200 shipped. After the first successful wheel build, I ordered 3 more rims for various hubs/wheelsets that I'm using now. After months of waiting, the parcel is now stateside but stopped at customs. I was contacted by UPS saying that bicycle rims fall under the department of transportation and requires forms for import, import duties, and an FEIN/SSN to track the import units. I filled out DOT for HS7, paid $59 duties, and had the parcel released. This whole thing seemed suspicious, but the email came from a signed ups.com email, my tracking number on the UPS site indicated a customs hold, and the payment link I was provided was on a ups.com domain. This strikes me as really weird and wanted to see if anyone else out there has had to fill out DOT forms to get some bike parts delivered from overseas. I confirmed several times that these are bicycle parts, not moped/ebike/motocross and the rep reiterated that it's dumb but necessary.

FYI, this is also the form used to bring in 25+ year old cars that don't adhere to US emissions/safety standards.

 

[mtbMike]

Were they valued over $800? That is the cut-off number I've always read about. It seems to be backed up by this article. https://chinapurchasingagent.com/importing-from-china-to-united-states-customs-duties/

 

[Danimal]

I'd call the place you ordered them and have them pay it, or return to sender.

It's most likely the tariff that started a few years ago. It is a hidden tax on the US population that is typically buried in the price. Call it anything you want though.

There's income tax, tariff tax, sales tax... If they could tax me taking a piss they'd do that too. Now excuse me....I'll be back shortly.

On the plus side, I sell a US produced and sold product. No tariff, no shipping delays at the port, supports US workers. On the other side, we pay a living wage that is much more than most countries but worth it.

 

[Faust29]

When I bought the Moxie, it was listed as having a customs hold when it hit the states, but then it cleared with no interaction on my part. I assumed the seller had taken care of the forms...

 

[stevers]

Were they valued over $800? That is the cut-off number I've always read about. It seems to be backed up by this article. https://chinapurchasingagent.com/importing-from-china-to-united-states-customs-duties/

Excluding shipping and fees, product value is ~$450. Company already responded and never heard of such a form or tariff. I'm all for paying fees when expected, but bicycle parts being classified under DOT is straight up strange to me.

Bought from LB before, plus a bunch of international direct-to-consumer and retailers from Europe and other APAC countries. Last time I had an issue was with a camera purchase from Hong Kong many years ago when there was a free trade agreement in effect. I sent the logistics agent the free trade agreement and they processed it without issue.

 

[BonsaiNut]

wanted to see if anyone else out there has had to fill out DOT forms to get some bike parts delivered from overseas.

I have not had to fill out DOT forms, but I have had to pay customs before for bike parts - to DHL as an international shipper. Seems completely random - sometimes you have to pay, sometimes not. And when you do have to pay, there is no detail provided - simply "pay $xx now to get your shipment". No information about what you are paying for, what tax or tariff the money is going toward, not even a receipt other than "you paid $xx". No proof that DHL is doing anything with your money other than pocketing it. Sketchy as hell.

 

[Faust29]

I have not had to fill out DOT forms, but I have had to pay customs before for bike parts - to DHL as an international shipper. Seems completely random - sometimes you have to pay, sometimes not. And when you do have to pay, there is no detail provided - simply "pay $xx now to get your shipment". No information about what you are paying for, what tax or tariff the money is going toward, not even a receipt other than "you paid $xx". No proof that DHL is doing anything with your money other than pocketing it. Sketchy as hell.

Sounds like the same business plan as waste management in New Jersey...

 

[Old&InTheWay]

Back when I used to be a plumber I did work for a man who was retired from the Los Angeles Dept. of Weights and Measures. He told me about the time that walked into the office of the head of the dept. and found him snorting coke with a couple of hookers. That's where the money goes.....