updated March 3, 2025

In early February 2025, the U.S. government announced additional import tariffs targeting goods from Canada, Mexico, and China as part of an emergency trade measure. For imports from Canada, a 25% ad valorem tariff now applies to most products (with a lower 10% rate for Canadian energy resources).

These tariffs took effect for goods entering the U.S. on or after March 4, 2025 . The policy was enacted via Executive Order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and is described as a response to national security concerns.

Import Duty Rate Changes:

• Used Mobile Phones: Previously 0% import duty under USMCA (if of North American origin) or under the WTO ITA; now 25% duty when imported from Canada
• Used Tablets and Laptops: Previously 0%; now 25% from Canada.
• Used Smart Wearables (e.g. smartwatches): Many wearables (if classified under electronics) were 0%; now 25% from Canada.
• Used Desktop Computers & Accessories: Previously 0%; now 25% from Canada.

These rates apply to the customs value of the goods. For instance, a used laptop valued at $600 would normally incur $0 duty, but now would carry an import tariff of $150.

U.S. customs law does have a de minimis exemption (currently $800) for low-value imports, meaning shipments valued under $800 typically enter duty-free. However, if an order’s value exceeds $800 or if multiple items are shipped together exceeding that threshold, the 25% tariff will be levied on the entire shipment’s value.

Will I have to pay more for my order now?

Possibly. If your order is shipped from Canada to a U.S. address, U.S. Customs may charge an import tariff of 25% of the item’s value upon entry.

For example, a $500 laptop might incur about $125 in tariffs. This fee is in addition to your purchase price and is collected by the U.S. government.

We will do our best to estimate these fees at checkout so you know upfront. Small orders under $800 in value may not be charged (due to U.S. customs exemptions), but anything above that will likely incur tariffs.

Does this tariff apply to all products, even used and refurbished items?

Yes. The tariff applies broadly to products imported from Canada, regardless of whether they are new, used, or refurbished. Used phones, tablets, wearables, and computers are included . There are no exclusions specifically for used goods, so we must assume the tariff will be charged on these items just like on new ones.

Is this a fee your company is charging?

No. The 25% import tariff is a U.S. government-imposed duty. We do not keep any portion of it. It is paid to U.S. Customs. Our product prices remain unchanged; however, the total cost to U.S. customers might increase due to this government fee. We aim to be transparent about these charges and are not profiting from them.

How will the tariff be collected?

Typically, the carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, postal service) will bill you for the import duties or require payment before delivery. You might receive a notification or invoice for the tariff amount when your package clears U.S. customs. We are looking into options to pre-pay tariffs on your behalf and include them at checkout, to make the process easier for you. We will communicate clearly during purchase if an item will have an import fee and how it will be paid.

Please contact your freight/customs broker for more information and strategies to minimize the impact of the tariffs.

Are any products or orders exempt from the tariff?

Generally, the tariff covers all categories of goods from Canada except certain energy products , which isn’t relevant to our electronics business. One practical exemption is that orders valued under USD $800 may not be charged import duty (this is a standing U.S. customs rule for low-value shipments). So a single low-priced device might bypass tariffs. However, most smartphones and laptops, or combined orders, exceed that threshold. We advise assuming the 25% will apply if your order is over $800 or includes multiple items. If we find any specific exemptions or changes, we will update you.

What is Assembly doing to help customers with this issue?

We are taking several steps to support our customers: we’re advocating for a resolution of these tariffs through industry groups, exploring alternate shipping options. We truly appreciate your business and are committed to minimizing the impact on you.

How long will these tariffs last?

The tariffs were introduced as an emergency measure and have no fixed end date. They will remain in effect until the U.S. government decides the underlying issues are resolved. We will keep monitoring the situation. If the tariffs are lifted, we will immediately stop any related charges and inform customers. We share your hope that this is temporary.

Does this affect Canadian customers or other international customers?

No. This tariff specifically impacts goods entering the U.S. from Canada. If you are a customer in Canada, nothing changes – no new fees or tariffs within Canada. For customers in other countries, only the usual international duties/taxes (if any) apply, not this U.S.-Canada tariff. This is primarily an issue for U.S. buyers purchasing & importing from our Canadian operations.

Be sure to contact your freight/customs broker for more information and strategies to minimize the impact of the tariffs.