Tariff Update & Question

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BimRLuvR

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Howdy - so I got a bill in the mail today from US Customs and Border protection for 10% of the sale price of the car I bought in Australia and had shipped here to the USA. When I did my research in May I was repeatedly told that a) classic cars over 25 years old are exempt from tariffs, b) only the 2.5% ad velorum tax applied, and c) Australia was a favored nation trading partner so no tariffs apply. I bough the car with this understanding. Turns out the law changed on July 1, 2025 to allow for 10% tariffs on classic cars, and 25% on newer cars.. My car was shipped on May 7th, and arrived on July 7th. The tariff law applies to any vehicle that was in shipment as as of July 1st. As my car landed July 7th, hence the tariff applies. I asked the importer if I can challenge this, and they said I can but I would lose, and that interest will accrue on the open balance. Obviously this really sucks. Has anyone heard of this, or had any luck challenging this? And letting you all know who are contemplating importing a car to the US. Thanks for your thoughts. -Jim
 
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rsporsche said:
i'm sorry but i think a tariff on a 50+ year old car is just wrong on all counts.
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Agree. That part that really annoys me as that it was not in place when I made the purchase decision and purchase itself, and was enacted mid voyage and then applied. I am told an appeal will be futile.
 
dbower said:
I'm looking at a 1965 car in the Netherlands and being told to expect a 15% tariff.
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I recommend consulting with an import specialist. For me it was 2.5% ad velorum, and 10% reciprocal tariff.
 
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dbower said:
I'm looking at a 1965 car in the Netherlands and being told to expect a 15% tariff.
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I purchased a 1973 car in France in August of 2025, shipped it to San Diego. The final tariff (done and dusted) was 15%. Hope this helps.
 
I just brought a car in from the Netherlands and it was the same old 2.5% like it was the last time years ago.
 
E911 said:
I just brought a car in from the Netherlands and it was the same old 2.5% like it was the last time years ago.
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Yup, it was the same for me. Until I got a bill from DHS for 10% of the declared value by customs six months later totally out of the blue. I hope this doesn't happen to you....
 
Can you tell DHS you will pay customs directly? I suspect the shipping companies are stiffing buyers. Along with the Feds doubling up on the stiffing.
 
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