US Tariffs and how they might affect you

By International Dance Shoes


How US Tariffs May Affect Your Order

We know unexpected costs are never fun, which is why we want to be transparent on how recent developments of US tariffs may affect your orders with us. There'll be more impact on certain products than others, 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 typically meant that deliveries into the US have generally not attracted duty, so long as the total value of the order was 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 changed?

Following the announcements on Wednesday (2nd April 2025), and since, tariffs may be applied on goods originating 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 elsewhere. Duty rates for UK made goods are lower than those originating from China and Thailand.

Currently (as of October 2025):

  • There is no more 'de minimis' exemption, and all deliveries into the US may be subject to tariffs
  • The rates for UK & EU originating goods can be anywhere from 10-20%
  • Rates for goods originating in China or Thailand can be 20%-40%

What this means for you

All orders may attract duty, and there may be a higher rate applied if your order contains any products manufactured in China or Thailand.

Please note that we don't charge for these (we will only ever charge for your items, and shipping). You will have a request for payment of any charges when the shipping company (likely DHL) is soon to deliver your order.

If an amount due sounds unreasonable, please request a breakdown of the charges from the shipping company, however, you will need to act fast as if the shipping company doesn't receive payment - they may destroy the goods, or return them to us. If they return them to us, the return shipping cost would be deducted from any refund.

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:

  1. 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. You will now see the country of origin on the 'Cart' page so that you can remove products should you wish to do so. Furthermore, for goods made either in China or Thailand, this is now highlighted above the size selection to make it as obvious as possible.
  2. 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.
  1. Creating a dedicated info page (this one!) with everything you need to know before you order.
  2. 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!

Check to see if there is a pink box that says 'This product is made in China/Thailand' above the size selection / 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 Dansport branded shoes originate in either China/Thailand and our Tempo/Jazz shoes originate in China, along with some accessories like bags, sock, hole punches, Sliders and Warm Up Booties.

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. Stockists may stock less of the Chinese/Thai originating goods these days, but as the core of our business is Made in the UK, most will continue working with these items which attract the lower rate of duty.

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
  • Essentials 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 during this period of change. Trust us, we would prefer things to go back the way they were! If and when there are any updates, we’ll updated this page so you always have the latest info.

Thanks for being part of the International Dance Shoes family—we appreciate you! ❤️

— The International Dance Shoes Team

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