Guide · Identifying and measuring
Ordering mower parts from abroad: US duties, Canada taxes and returns
Mower parts shipping to the US and Canada: no US de minimis since August 29, 2025, Canada's CAN$20 mail threshold, what CBSA refunds, and Amazon and AliExpress returns.
Short answer
In the US, CBP says that since 12:01 a.m. on August 29, 2025, goods of all countries are no longer eligible for the duty-free de minimis exemption, regardless of value, country of origin, mode of transportation or method of entry.[1] In Canada, CBSA says items arriving by mail valued at CAN$20 or less are free of duty and tax, while items above CAN$20 are taxed on their full value.[2] Check the return terms before you order from abroad, because a used or fitted part may not come back cheaply.
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United States
No de minimis. A small order no longer enters duty-free because of its value. CBP's guidance on the suspension of de minimis treatment applies to goods of all countries, whatever their value or how they are shipped.[1] We do not publish tariff rates; they depend on the goods and change often.
Who collects on mail. Under the same guidance, duties on international postal shipments are collected and remitted by the international mail carrier or a qualified party.[1] The listing or the carrier should tell you how that is charged.
Dates still moving. CBP has extended the compliance date for new informal entry procedures for international mail from October 22, 2026 to January 20, 2027.[3] Check CBP's e-commerce page before a large order.
Canada
The CAN$20 mail threshold. CBSA's rule above covers items arriving by mail, under the Postal Imports Remission Order.[2] It is not a courier threshold, and some goods are excluded; read CBSA's page for your case.
Refunds of government charges. CBSA lists customs duties and GST, HST and PST among the charges that may be refunded or adjusted.[4] It says it cannot refund fees for brokerage and courier services;[4] those go to the courier or broker who charged them.
Returns
- Amazon: refunds may be reduced for returned items showing customer use, damage, or missing parts, accessories or manuals.[5]
- Amazon Canada: the return options shown in your account can depend on your location, the seller, the item and the reason for return.[6]
- AliExpress: its Free Return terms, effective November 1, 2022, apply only to products carrying a "Free Return" label.[7] That is a 2022 document; read the current terms on the listing. Without the label, assume you may pay return shipping.
A blade or bag that has been fitted and used is a used item on any of these platforms. Confirm the part number, pack count and contents first; see the buying checklist.
At a glance
| Country | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US | No duty-free de minimis for any country's goods since August 29, 2025 | CBP CSMS # 66065494[1] |
| US | Mail duties collected by the carrier or a qualified party | CBP CSMS # 66065494[1] |
| US | New informal mail entry compliance moved to January 20, 2027 | CBP e-commerce page[3] |
| Canada | Mail items CAN$20 or less: no duty or tax; above: taxed on full value | CBSA[2] |
| Canada | Duties and GST/HST/PST refundable; brokerage and courier fees not | CBSA[4] |
Import rules for small shipments are changing, as CBP's moved compliance date shows. These are the rules the agencies published when we checked them on 2026-10-17; check the CBP and CBSA pages before you rely on them.
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Questions
Do I pay duty on a mower blade shipped from China to the US?
It no longer enters duty-free because it is cheap. CBP says that since August 29, 2025, goods of all countries are no longer eligible for the duty-free de minimis exemption, regardless of value or origin. The rate depends on the goods; we do not publish one.[1]
Is there duty on small orders to Canada?
By mail, CBSA says items valued at CAN$20 or less are free of duty and tax, and items above CAN$20 are taxed on their full value. That threshold is for mail, not couriers.[2]
Can I get brokerage fees refunded in Canada?
Not from CBSA. It lists duties and GST, HST and PST as charges that may be refunded or adjusted, but says it cannot refund brokerage and courier fees; ask the courier or broker.[4]
Who pays return shipping on AliExpress?
AliExpress's Free Return terms, effective November 1, 2022, apply only to products carrying a "Free Return" label. Without the label, check the listing's own return terms before you order.[7]