How Changes to US Tariffs May Affect Your Order
The headline here is - generally speaking - things are still OK/similar, and it seems the liklihood is that no tariffs will affect online orders so long as the items are not one of the very few items we have made in China.
Last updated: 10th April
We know unexpected costs are never fun, which is why we want to be completely upfront with you on recent developments. Some US tariffs may affect certain products, so we’re here to help you navigate it all as smoothly as possible.
How have things have worked in recent years?
The 'De Minimis' rule has meant that our deliveries from the UK to the US have generally not attracted duty charges, so long as the total value of the order is less than $800. This has been the case no matter where the goods within the order originate. This has made it very easy to receive our goods in the US!
What’s changing?
Following the announcements on Wednesday (2nd April), and since then, tariffs may be applied on goods originiating from a wider range of countries, including the UK (which is fortunately at the lower rates).
Whilst the vast majority of products you find on our website are made in the UK at our factory just outside of London, there are some shoes & dance accessories that originate elswhere and they may attract charges should there be any items originating in China within the delivery.
Currently (as of 10th April) we understand via our main shipping partner DHL:
- Shipments under $800 will still avoid extra charges. Although, from 2nd May, if anything within the order originates in China, the full set of tariffs will apply (to all products across the full order, at varying rates)
- All shipments worth over $800 will have a 10% tariff from now, with higher tariffs applying after 9th April if the value is over $800 (these will be as per latest announcements from the US)
What this means for you
If your order contains any products manufactured in China, US Customs may apply import duties to your entire order.
How we’re helping you to avoid unexpected fees
We want to make this as easy as possible for you. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Adding ‘Country of Origin’ info to product pages so you can check before placing an order. You can find this info by scrolling down past the product description.
- Providing alternative product suggestions to help you choose similar items made outside of China and avoid extra charges.
- Example: Instead of ordering the MST Flex (China), we recommend the Rumba (Made in the UK), which is a similar style.
- Creating a dedicated info page (this one!) with everything you need to know before you order.
- Adding reminders – You may see a pop-up on our site or a checkout message if your order could be affected.
Our recommendations: check origins on product pages!!
Scroll down the product page and you'll see below the description there is a 'Country of Origin' indicator. Most shoes will be UK but some Dansport Men's/Boys shoes are Chinese, along with some accessories.
Our recommendations: shop locally!
We supply lots of stockists across the US and many of them stock a wide range of our most popular shoes. Some will ship across the US and some will also travel around the country selling our shoes at dance competitions. We encourage you to scroll through the US stores within our store locator here.
Products that may be affected
(We’ll keep this list updated—always check product pages for the most accurate info.)
Products that are China originating and may be affected without alternatives:
- Kimono - Adults
- Kimono - Children's
- Sliders
- Warm-Up Booties
- Pro Grip Socks
- Kids Ballet Socks
- Towels
- Shoe Bag
- Shoe Dust Bag
- Strap Hole Punch
- Patent Protector
- Clear Foot Straps
- Tempo
- Jazz
If you have any concerns or need help finding the best options, we’re here for you! Feel free to reach out before placing your order, and we’ll do our best to help you avoid unnecessary fees.
We’re keeping an eye on this for you
We know this is frustrating, and we really appreciate your patience while things unfold. If and when there are any updates, we’ll updated this page so you always have the latest info.
If you’re ordering from the US, click here to stay updated on tariff impacts and product recommendations.
Thanks for being part of the International Dance Shoes family—we appreciate you! ❤️
— The International Dance Shoes Team