Solutions for shipping antiques to USA in the new world of tariffs

I have shipped my Quintessentially French Parisian antiques and vintage timeworn treasures to my friends and valued customers in the United States for many years and have no intention of stopping now!

However, I and all European sellers will have to pause shipments. I would like to update you on the current fluid situation regarding the new tariffs.

The Background

As part of the Big Beautiful Bill tariffs were introduced on all goods entering the US, however there was a "De Minimis" exemption for parcels under 800$, due to end July 2027.

An unexpected executive order brought this into force from 29th August 2025

To clarify, tariffs are payable on all parcels entering the States are the responsibility of the US buyer (i.e. importer).

Tariffs (15% for France / EU countries) are payable to the US government.

Additionally, administration fees are paid to the company in USA who carries out the importation admin on your behalf, whether this is USPS or a private shipper like DHL.

The Problem

USPS and other carriers have not had time to put in place systems for collecting the tariffs, as so little notice and indeed guidance, was given.

Most carriers have suspended shipping to USA until the situation is clarified, currently express deliveries are still possible, but that may change soon.

Whereas the tariffs for the EU (of which France is a part) are thankfully quite low, the concern is the current initial uncertainty.

The Solution

In the short term:

You can fill an open box to secure the treasures you want and when the initial uncertainty is resolved, I will calculate shipping, invoice you and send them to you.

Thank you to everyone who has started an open box, I appreciate your support and confidence. I am here to communicate with you individually.

In the longer term:

The solution will be to send your parcel DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). This means that the charge is added to the shipping cost and the shippers pay the import tariffs on your behalf, therefore there is no surprise $ charge when you receive your parcel.

I am confident that your Quintessentially French parcels will be winging their way to you in the United States very soon.

At the moment shippers are waiting for certainty to re-introduce DDP shipping to the States and I am monitoring the situation.

I will keep you updated in my Quintessentially French email newsletter

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*This is a temporary blog as the situation is new and unresolved. If you have any further information that is not included, please do share it and I will update the blog.

If you have any questions, please contact me, Helen x

Quintessentially Fench antique treasures shipped worldwide from France