US Customs Update - Arachne Audio
Important Update for US Customers
New US Import Regulations • Effective August 29, 2025

⚠️ Quick Summary - What You Need to Know

  • ALL packages to the US now require customs duties (no more $800 exemption)
  • EU products (including ours from Estonia) face 15% import tariffs
  • Expect 1-3 extra days for customs processing
  • We're absorbing increased shipping costs to help you
  • Cable quality and craftsmanship remain unchanged

📋 What's Changing?

Starting August 29, 2025, new US customs regulations eliminate the de minimis exemption for all international shipments. This means that all packages entering the United States – regardless of value – will now be subject to customs duties and taxes.

🚨 Critical for US Customers: As we ship from Estonia (EU), all our products are subject to a 15% import tariff. This is charged by US Customs, not by Arachne Audio. You'll receive a bill from your carrier or customs authorities for these duties before delivery.

This change is part of broader US trade policy reforms and affects all international sellers, not just Arachne Audio. We're committed to helping you navigate these changes while continuing to deliver the exceptional audiophile experience you expect from us.

💰 Example: What This Means for Your Order

Here's how the new 15% EU tariff affects a typical order from Estonia to the US:

Cable Price
$120
15% Import Duty
$18
Shipping (unchanged)
$28
Total Cost
$166

Important: The 15% tariff is paid by you (the importer) to US Customs, not to us. This applies to all EU products entering the US.

🎯 How This Affects Your Order

📦 Customs Processing

All shipments will require full customs clearance, which may add 1-3 business days to delivery times.

💵 15% Import Duties

EU products face 15% tariffs. You'll receive a bill from customs before delivery.

📋 Documentation

Enhanced customs documentation will be required for all shipments to ensure smooth processing.

🔄 Returns

Return shipping may involve additional customs procedures and potential duties on re-import.

🚚 Shipping & Pricing Updates

Good news: We're absorbing increased shipping costs to keep your experience as smooth as possible. Shipping prices remain unchanged for now.

The new regulations have created significant uncertainty in the shipping industry. Our primary shipping provider has temporarily suspended US deliveries while the situation stabilizes. To continue serving our US customers without interruption, we've:

  • Secured alternative carriers to maintain reliable delivery to the US
  • Absorbed additional costs to keep your shipping rates the same
  • Maintained service quality despite logistical challenges

Please note: If carrier costs increase significantly in the future, we may need to adjust shipping rates slightly. We'll provide advance notice of any changes and keep increases as minimal as possible.

🤝 Our Commitment to Excellence

Every Arachne Audio cable continues to receive the same meticulous hand-braiding, premium OFC copper, and rigorous quality control that has earned us the trust of audiophiles worldwide. We're absorbing shipping cost increases because we believe in long-term relationships and want to help minimize the impact of these new regulations on our customers. Your music deserves quality craftsmanship – and we're committed to delivering it.

✅ What We're Doing

We're taking several steps to minimize the impact on your experience:

  • Shipping Cost Protection: Absorbing increased carrier fees to keep your costs unchanged
  • Alternative Carriers: Secured reliable backup shipping options when our primary provider suspended US service
  • Enhanced Documentation: Providing detailed customs paperwork to facilitate faster processing
  • Customer Support: Our team is ready to help with any questions about the new regulations
  • Transparent Communication: We'll keep you informed throughout the shipping process
  • Duty Estimates: Providing clear calculations so you know exactly what to expect
Remember: These changes don't affect the quality, craftsmanship, or performance of your custom Arachne Audio cables. Every cable is still meticulously hand-braided with premium materials and engineered for the discerning audiophile.

⭐ What You Can Expect From Arachne Audio

Despite these regulatory changes, here's what remains unchanged:

🎨 Handcrafted Excellence

Each cable is meticulously hand-braided in Estonia using premium OFC copper. This level of craftsmanship and attention to detail is simply unavailable from mass-produced alternatives.

🎵 Audiophile Craftsmanship

Our unique braiding patterns and premium OFC copper are designed with audio quality in mind. Each cable is engineered to preserve signal integrity and minimize interference for your listening experience.

💎 Lifetime Investment

Built to last decades, not years. Our cables are an investment in your audio system that will outlive multiple equipment upgrades. The cost per year of enjoyment is minimal.

🛡️ We're Absorbing Costs

While we can't control government tariffs, we ARE absorbing all increased shipping costs ourselves. Despite significant carrier price increases, we're keeping your shipping costs at $28 to help offset the impact of these new regulations.

The Bottom Line:

Yes, the total cost is higher with the 15% tariff. But you're not just buying a cable – you're investing in hand-crafted audio equipment from Estonia. Our artisans spend hours perfecting each braid, using techniques refined over years. Every cable is made to order with premium OFC copper and built to last for decades. We're doing our part by absorbing the increased shipping costs to help minimize the overall impact on you.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." – Benjamin Franklin

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a 15% tariff on my order?
As an Estonian (EU) company, all our products shipped to the US are subject to a 15% import tariff under current US trade regulations. This is not a fee we charge or receive – it's collected by US Customs from you as the importer. This applies to all EU products entering the United States.
What exactly will I pay in duties and taxes?
For our audio cables from Estonia, you'll pay 15% of the product value as import duty. For example, a $120 cable will incur $18 in duties. Your carrier will provide a bill with exact amounts when your package arrives in the US. Additional state taxes may apply depending on your location.
Will shipping times be longer?
Yes, expect an additional 1-3 business days for customs processing. We'll continue to provide tracking information so you can monitor your package's progress through customs. The total delivery time is now typically 7-10 business days.
Are your prices changing?
Our cable prices remain unchanged, and we're keeping shipping costs the same for now despite increased carrier fees. However, you'll now be responsible for the 15% import duties and any other taxes assessed by US customs authorities.
Will shipping costs increase?
Currently, no. We're absorbing the increased carrier costs to keep shipping prices the same for you. If significant cost increases occur in the future, we may need to adjust rates slightly, but we'll provide advance notice and keep any increases minimal.
Why did delivery times change?
Our primary shipping provider temporarily suspended US deliveries due to regulatory uncertainty. We've secured alternative carriers to maintain service, but the new customs requirements add 1-3 business days for processing.
How do returns work now?
Returns may involve additional customs procedures. You may need to pay duties again when we ship the replacement back to you. We recommend contacting us before initiating a return so we can guide you through the most efficient process and discuss options.
Can I avoid these duties?
These are US government regulations that apply to all international shipments. The 15% tariff on EU products is a fixed rate that cannot be avoided while maintaining legitimate, compliant shipping practices. All customers importing from outside the US must pay these duties.
When will these regulations change?
These are ongoing US trade policies with no announced end date. We'll monitor the situation and immediately inform customers if regulations change. For now, consider the 15% tariff as a permanent part of ordering from EU companies.

Questions? We're Here to Help

Our team understands these changes can be confusing. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have specific questions about how these regulations and the 15% EU tariff might affect your order.

Contact Our Team