Guide · Measuring and buying
Returns and import costs for CNC parts in the US and Canada
Duty on CNC spindles and parts from abroad in the US and Canada, what refunds cover, and the return terms of AliExpress, Amazon Canada, FoxAlien and SainSmart.
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Short answer
Plan for import costs: the US has suspended duty-free de minimis for goods valued at $800 or less, and Canada charges duty and taxes on postal imports over CAN$20, with courier and broker fees on top. Read the return terms of the exact store before you buy a spindle or kit, because return shipping on heavy parts is often yours to pay.
United States: duty on imported parts
CBP announced that duty-free de minimis treatment was suspended globally from August 29, 2025.[1] Its e-commerce FAQ says the suspension applies to merchandise valued at $800 or less arriving by all modes, including the international postal network, and describes it as indefinite.[2] These rules change; check CBP's pages before a large order.
Canada: duty, taxes and fees
CBSA says postal imports valued at CAN$20 or less are free of duty and tax; above that, duty and taxes apply to the full value, with listed exclusions.[3] Courier and broker clearance fees are separate from duties and taxes and outside CBSA's control.[4] If you send a personal import back to a seller outside Canada, CBSA can refund qualifying duties and taxes, but not customs brokerage fees or shipping and handling.[5]
Returns by store
| Where you bought | What the terms say |
|---|---|
| AliExpress, Free Returns items | Only products with the Free Returns icon, in covered countries, with free return shipping once per order[6]; Mainland China sellers: 90 days from the order date, original condition with all accessories and packaging[6] |
| Amazon Canada | Return options can depend on your location, the seller, the item and the reason[7] |
| FoxAlien direct store | Request within 14 days of delivery, unused, in original packaging with all accessories; customer pays return shipping unless FoxAlien erred[8] |
| SainSmart direct store | Unused items within 30 days for a refund; customer pays return shipping[9] |
We could not confirm a single Amazon return window, so we do not state one; read the options on your own order. FoxAlien also requires proof of purchase from its authorized brand stores, which it names as Amazon, AliExpress and Walmart.[8] The direct-store terms above apply to orders from those stores, not to marketplace orders.
Heavy parts: count return shipping first
A spindle, VFD or kit is heavy, and under both direct-store terms above the buyer pays to send it back. Before you order, confirm the variant (body size, collet, supply) with the online buying checklist and your machine's fit with the identify guide. A part that fits the first time never needs a return.
Parts with a stated fit
Mounts are a common wrong order. These approved holders name the bore and the machines, which is what makes a return less likely.
Picks that fit2 products
FoxAlien 69 mm Z-clamp: for DWP611-class routers on the Masuter, 4040-XE, XE-PRO, WM3020 and Vasto machines, not the XE-Ultra.
More on choosing
Genmitsu 101-63-ZC69: 69 mm bore for the 4040-PRO, 4040-PRO MAX, 4040 Reno, 3020-PRO Ultra and 3030-PROVer MAX. Bought on Amazon, Amazon's return options apply, not the brands' direct-store terms; check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
69 mm Z-clamp for FoxAlien machines (not XE-Ultra)
FoxAlien 69 mm Z-clamp for Masuter, 4040‑XE, XE-PRO, WM3020 and Vasto
69 mm holder for the Genmitsu 4040-PRO family
Genmitsu 69 mm aluminum spindle holder (101‑63‑ZC69) for the 4040‑PRO family
Next
Questions
Will I pay duty on a spindle from China?
In the US, the duty-free de minimis treatment for goods valued at $800 or less is suspended, so plan for duty. In Canada, postal imports over CAN$20 pay duty and taxes on the full value, and courier or broker fees come on top.[2][3][4]
Can I return a spindle kit to AliExpress?
Only under the seller's terms, unless the listing shows the Free Returns icon in a covered country. For Mainland China sellers, Free Returns allow 90 days from the order date, in original condition with all accessories and packaging, once per order.[6]
Who pays return shipping?
It depends on where you bought. FoxAlien's direct store charges the customer unless FoxAlien made the error, and SainSmart's direct store makes customers responsible for return shipping. Amazon Canada says options depend on location, seller, item and reason.[8][9][7]
Do I get duty back if I return a part to a seller outside Canada?
CBSA can refund duties and taxes on qualifying personal imports returned to a seller outside Canada, but not brokerage fees or shipping and handling.[5]