U.S. Tariffs – Frequently Asked Questions

What are these tariffs?
These are U.S. government-imposed import fees applied to goods manufactured in and shipped from China or Hong Kong. Commonly referred to as “Trump tariffs,” they were introduced as part of broader trade policy changes and now apply to nearly all consumer electronics—including VKB flight simulation hardware.

How much are these tariffs?
As of May 2, 2025, the U.S. eliminated the $800 de minimis duty-free threshold for imports from China and Hong Kong. This means that all shipments, regardless of value, are now subject to tariffs. The current combined import fee is 45% of the total declared value, which includes 35% customs duty and 10% additional tariff. These fees are based on the total declared value of your order, including both the product cost and shipping.

What do these tariffs impact?
These tariffs apply to all products shipped from VKB HQ in China to customers in the United States. They are in addition to your order total and shipping fee, and must be paid before DHL can deliver your parcel. This applies to all U.S.-bound orders, no matter the size or value.

I already paid DHL at checkout. Do I still have to pay for tariffs?
Yes. The shipping fee paid at checkout only covers the cost of transporting your parcel from China to your U.S. address. Tariffs are entirely separate and are collected by DHL on behalf of U.S. Customs when your shipment clears customs. These fees are not included in your original order total.

When do I have to pay these tariffs?
DHL will contact you directly—usually by email, text message, or phone call—once your package arrives in the U.S. They will provide a secure payment link for you to pay the import fees. Once payment is completed, your order will be cleared and delivered to your address.

What happens if I refuse to pay the tariffs?
If you decide not to pay the import fees, DHL will return the shipment to VKB HQ in China after a holding period. Once VKB confirms that the returned item has been received, we will issue a refund for your order.

Why can’t VKB include tariffs at checkout?
Tariffs are government-imposed customs fees that must be paid by the recipient directly to U.S. Customs, typically through the shipping carrier (DHL). Because the exact amount is determined at the time of customs clearance, we cannot legally or practically include these charges at the time of checkout. DHL handles this process and collects the fees on the government's behalf.

Why is DHL the only shipping option now?
Operationally speaking, DHL seems to be currently better equipped to manage tariff collection reliably and efficiently under the updated customs regulations. We will continue to explore other shipping options as the situation evolves.