Some things:
1) DHL's misunderstanding of the $800 rule is shocking: Before the new tariff there simply were no duties to the US if HSS code 8715.10. 0010, 0020, or 0050 were used by the sender. The $800 rule is if you are getting on a plane or ship and you have over $800 of foreign purchased items @AND@ customs decided to inspect, they would change a fee - not a duty. It had nothing to do with shipped items.
2) According to the US Govt (https://hts.usitc.gov/search?query=8714.10.0050) there still are no tariffs on HSS code 8714.10. 0010, 0020, or 0050 and most should be using 8714.10.0050. So, I'm not sure if there really is a 10% tariff.
3) DHL charges a $17 to "handle" customs payments for you. The only good thing about DHL is that they have a dispute email and phone and with effort I've always been able to get rid of the improperly charged tariff and their charge. BTW those who know me get tired of my stories on how great Germany is - DHL Express (US part of DHL) sucks!
4) So, I don't know if there really is a tariff or if the shippers are just charging it to their customers and I don't know what they are doing about their fee.
5) BTW, over the years I bought a LOT from Wassell and have never once had a problem because they not only put the HSS code on invoices but also on the box. AMAL and AN about half of the time I have a fight. Sometimes the shipper believes me and removes the charges and sometimes I have to get an updated invoice. All of which changes delivery form 2-3 days to 2-4 weeks.
6) I am 100% out of AMAL carb sets for 850s (have some for 750s). With all the price increases over the past three years, I'm not likely to get more if there is a 10% tariff plus fee charged. I was providing them basically as a service so there's no room for 10% more and it seems that most who want them already have them.
7) I haven't talked to Wassell to see what they have to say about tariffs as I'm pretty well stocked with the things I get from them.
8) I started selling AN parts to save me some money on my builds. Buying a lot at a time, especially when the exchange rate is good, means that shipping doesn't hurt as much. In hindsight, this has turned out to be stupid. I'm 75, have already had two operations this year, and another three planned and a the rate I'm selling I would have to live to be about 300 to sell it all! To add to my stupidity, I bought out Old Britts AN inventory at greatly reduced prices - of course, what they had left is what they could not sell!
So, if someone wanted to get into the parts business, they should contact me. Of course, I'll continue to sell what I have and I'm happy to continue to be a free email/phone resource to Access Norton members and Triumph owners.
