To make ordering simple for our US customers we are removing all China origin goods from our US store. This will keep all orders from our shop tax and duty free for US customers.
Find Out More About How Tariffs May Affect You
If you're a U.S. shopper who loves sourcing high-quality fabric, you may have heard about recent tariff changes affecting imported textiles. With new regulations in effect and more on the way, it's essential to shop smart to avoid unexpected fees. Here's what you need to know about duties, tariffs, and how to stay fabric-savvy.
The De Minimis Threshold: Your Duty-Free Limit
Currently, U.S. shoppers can import up to $800 USD worth of goods from abroad per day without paying any duties or taxes. This is known as the de minimis threshold. Orders that stay under this value—and are properly labeled—are typically processed without issue.
But there is now an exception!
The China-Origin Exception
If any item in your fabric order is made in China, you may be hit with steep tariffs—even if the total value is under the $800 de minimis threshold.
- For packages sent via Canada Post (the international postal system): U.S. Customs will charge a flat duty of 120% of the item’s value or up to $100 per item for Chinese-origin goods. This increases to up to $200 per item starting June 1, 2025.
- For courier shipments (e.g., FedEx, UPS): Duties are calculated using standard U.S. tariff codes, which may result in tariffs up to 145% on Chinese-origin fabrics.
Even if the rest of your order is from Italy or Japan, a single fabric made in China can trigger additional fees and brokerage charges, potentially costing more than your order itself.
At Riverside Fabrics we have addressed this by removing chinese-origin goods from our US website. Us shoppers simply cannot purchase these items.
Shopping Smart: A Checklist for U.S. Fabric Buyers
Before placing your next order from a Canadian fabric store, follow these tips:
- ✅ Check the origin of each item. If you're unsure, ask the store directly before buying.
- ✅ Confirm the retailer knows how to fill out customs forms properly, especially marking country of origin and product value.
- ✅ Stay under $800 USD per shipment if you want to avoid duties.
- ✅ Consider shipping via a carrier that delivers with USPS. All Riverside orders deliver with USPS.
- ✅ Look for transparency. Good retailers will address tariffs and duties on their site or product pages.
Final Thoughts
Fabric shopping across the border is still very doable—you just need to shop with intention. By staying informed and communicating with your favorite stores, you can keep building your dream stash without surprise fees.
Happy sewing, and happy shopping!