Customs Fees: Why They Are Unfair and Beyond Our Control
At Force Hockey, we regularly receive messages from customers surprised by customs fees imposed upon delivery of their order to the United States or other countries. These fees are frustrating, because hockey sticks should normally not be taxed.
Why do fees appear?
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Hockey sticks are classified under HS Code 9506.99.90 (sporting goods), which is exempt from customs duties in the United States.
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However, carriers like UPS or FedEx sometimes use the wrong tariff code, or add brokerage fees that resemble taxes.
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The result: some packages pass without fees, while others are charged completely random and unjustified amounts.
Why we can't do anything about it
These fees are imposed by your country's customs authorities. We have no control over these decisions, and even when we dispute them, the process takes weeks and blocks delivery.
What you need to know before ordering
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Customs fees are the customer's responsibility.
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If payment is refused, carriers destroy the packages rather than returning them, which prevents any refund.
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We do our best to indicate the correct customs code on each invoice, but we cannot guarantee the absence of fees.
👉 We understand your frustration, we share it, and we hope this absurd trade war will end quickly.
Customs Duties: Why They Are Unfair and Beyond Our Control
At Force Hockey, we often hear from customers frustrated about unexpected import duties when receiving their order in the United States or abroad. These charges are upsetting, especially since hockey sticks should technically be duty-free.
Why do these fees appear?
-
Hockey sticks are classified under HS Code 9506.99.90 (sporting goods), which is duty-free under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
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However, carriers like UPS or FedEx sometimes misclassify the product, or add brokerage and processing fees that look like customs duties.
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The result: some shipments clear with no fees at all, while others are hit with completely random and unjustified charges.
Why we cannot control this
These fees are imposed by your country’s customs authorities, not by us. Once a package reaches the border, neither Force Hockey nor our carriers can decide whether duties are applied. Even when we file disputes, the process takes weeks and prevents delivery.
What you should know before ordering
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Customs duties, if applied, are the customer’s responsibility.
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If the fees are not paid, carriers will destroy the parcel instead of returning it, which prevents any refund.
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We always provide the correct HS code on invoices, but we cannot guarantee that customs will not charge fees.
👉 We share your frustration and sincerely hope this absurd trade conflict ends soon.
