Suggestions from CD and Vinyl sellers.
Hello everyone, if possible, I would like to get the opinions and advice of CD and vinyl sellers.
My understanding is that these products are exempt from tariffs and customs fees. Did your American buyers receive their packages? Were any of them charged "surprise" fees? Did you have any problems at the Canada Post counter with the Zonos app?
Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.
7 comments
dinomitesales
·9 months agoPersonally I use 8523.49.3000 for CDs - this is the HTS code for optical media, recorded, reproducing sound only. Which is exactly what an audio/music CD is. Zonos also backs that up by generating that HTS code, and they were a company nominated by the US government to handle customs imports so I would hope they're providing the correct information.
@intimewithmusic not sure why you singled out 8523.49.4000 (which, as you stated, is optical media for proprietary formats like video games and the like) when 8523.49.3000 (reproducing sound only) is visible above it in your screenshot.
My understanding is that Chapter 99 (of which 9903.01.3100 would fall under) of the tariff schedule is only to be used as a secondary classification in addition to the primary classification, as it deals with additional ad valorem duties applied to a product. Most importers only let you specify a primary HTS code though, so the one that most accurately describes the nature of the item seems the most logical one to choose.
But hey, if it's been working for you, then no need to stop. I just don't think US customs is scrutinizing these things in so much detail that it matters. I would imagine US CBP is still pretty overwhelmed, and will be for the next three years as things seem to change on a dime. For one off postal imports into the country they're probably just checking to see if payment has been made and as long as nothing seems super incorrect on the declaration they're pushing it through with minimal issue.
intimewithmusic
·9 months agoYes, thank you. 4000 was a typo. Both prefixes appear to be crossing duty free.
Not using Zonos. If I did I would use the code they recommend which is probably CPs.
intimewithmusic
·9 months agoHello @musicharmonyandrhythm
There is confusion with respect to the correct HS code for commercially released CDs as there are 2 possible HS codes in the USA International Trade Commission Guide. You will have to make your own decision.
My interpretation is the correct HS code for commercially released (music) CDs is 9903.01.31
The other code mentioned below is for "Proprietory Media" formats that are read using proprietory software such as the software used in video games. This is just my personal intrerpretation and the code I have used for years. I have attached both US guide choices so you can make your own call. If you trust AI you can consult it for verification.
Regards, IT
musicyouneed
·9 months agoI sell CD's and use Zonos and Canada Post for the most part. I have used Chit Chats when PO was on strike. Out of the 12 sent with Zonos and the PO, 9 have been delivered and 3 are still in transit. The 2 for Chit Chats were delivered. None have had a tariff. The only thing that has really changed is I am paying about $4 more for shipping not going through ebay. I print out my own labels and just drop off at the PO.
byto253
·9 months agoAre you using the HS code 9903.01.31 for these?
musicyouneed
·9 months agoHS code 8523.49.3000
mrdutch1001
·9 months agoI have chosen to stand on principle of not aiding & abetting a felon on his quest to manipulate, coerse & extort Tariffs with their being no guarantee that any item will remain Tariff-free indefinitely, so I no longer sell any vinyl to the USA. I am hoping for potential Canadian buyers across Canada as well as within my own local marketplace...At least this way I don't have to endure the frustrations, anxieties and/or any surprises with extra costs & extra fees...