A SMARTER WAY TO SHIP TO THE U.S.

As U.S. trade regulations evolve — including the elimination of the de minimis exemption for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong — brands face rising duties, new clearance complexities, and mounting pressure to adapt quickly. In collaboration with CustomsCity, SEKO Logistics has developed DutyPay, a next-generation platform designed to help global retailers stay compliant, calculate duties in real-time, and maintain frictionless delivery into the U.S. market. Built at speed to meet the needs of a shifting landscape, DutyPay reflects SEKO’s commitment to helping brands move first and move smart.

THREE WAYS DUTYPAY SIMPLIFIES COMPLIANCE

AUTOMATED TARIFF CLASSIFICATION

Utilizes advanced algorithms to suggest accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes based on product details, ensuring correct duty assessments.

REAL-TIME DUTY AND TAX CALCULATION AT CHECKOUT

Calculates precise duties and taxes during the customer's checkout process, providing transparency and preventing unexpected charges upon delivery.

INTEGRATED SHIPPING AND CLEARANCE

Seamlessly connects with SEKO's logistics network, automating the generation of shipping labels and facilitating swift customs clearance.

WHY DUTYPAY MATTERS

With the removal of the de minimis exemption, brands must now account for duties on all shipments, regardless of value. 

DutyPay addresses this challenge by:

ENHANCING COMPLIANCE

Ensures adherence to the latest U.S. customs regulations, reducing the risk of penalties and delays.​

IMPROVING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Provides customers with upfront cost information, fostering trust and satisfaction

STREAMLINING OPERATIONS

Automates critical processes, allowing brands to focus on growth rather than navigating complex customs procedures.

POWERING COMPLIANCE FOR LEADING RETAILERS

INSIDE THE DUTYPAY PLATFORM

See how DutyPay transforms the customs classification and clearance process — from real-time duty and tax calculation at checkout, to automated shipping label generation and customs documentation. A seamless, tech-driven experience designed to simplify compliance and keep goods moving.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

For more information on how DutyPay can transform your cross-border ecommerce operations, contact SEKO Logistics today. 

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ABOUT CUSTOMSCITY

CustomsCity is a leading provider of automated customs compliance solutions for global ecommerce. With a focus on innovation, speed, and precision, CustomsCity supports some of the world's largest brands and customs brokers in navigating complex import requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

Their technology powers the backbone of DutyPay, delivering:

  • Real-time HTS classification
  • Automated data validation and error-checking
  • Seamless electronic filing of customs declarations, including Type 86
  • Scalable APIs that integrate effortlessly with global shipping platforms
  • Together with SEKO Logistics, CustomsCity brings the customs intelligence and automation needed to respond to shifting U.S. trade policy — fast, clean, and fully compliant.

UNDERSTANDING THE POST-DE-MINIMIS PARCEL JOURNEY

 

SCENARIO 1: BULK IMPORT TO U.S. FUFILLMENT CENTRES

This model is commonly used by brands aiming to optimize delivery speed and manage inventory within the U.S.​

 

Goods are shipped in bulk from the country of origin to SEKO's bonded fulfillment centers in the U.S. Bonded warehouses allow for the deferral of duties and taxes until the goods are withdrawn for domestic consumption.

Upon arrival, goods are stored without immediate duty payment. Inventory is managed within the bonded facility, awaiting customer orders.

When a customer places an order, DutyPay calculates the applicable duties and taxes in real-time at checkout, ensuring transparency.

The ordered items are picked, packed, and shipped from the U.S. warehouse to the customer, with duties and taxes settled as per the calculated amounts.

1. Bulk Shipment to U.S. Bonded Warehouses

Goods are shipped in bulk from the country of origin to SEKO's bonded fulfillment centers in the U.S. Bonded warehouses allow for the deferral of duties and taxes until the goods are withdrawn for domestic consumption.

2. Inventory Storage and Management

Upon arrival, goods are stored without immediate duty payment. Inventory is managed within the bonded facility, awaiting customer orders.

3. Customer Purchase and Duty Calculation

When a customer places an order, DutyPay calculates the applicable duties and taxes in real-time at checkout, ensuring transparency.

4. Order Fulfillment and Domestic Shipping

The ordered items are picked, packed, and shipped from the U.S. warehouse to the customer, with duties and taxes settled as per the calculated amounts.

BENEFITS:

Faster delivery times due to domestic shipping.

Deferred duty payments improve cash flow.

Enhanced customer experience with quicker deliveries.

SCENARIO 2: DIRECT SHIPMENT FROM ORIGIN

This approach is suited for brands that prefer to fulfill orders directly from the country of origin, often to reduce storage costs.​

 

A customer places an order on the brand's ecommerce platform. DutyPay calculates the exact duties and taxes at checkout, providing the total cost upfront.

The order is processed and packaged at the origin facility. Shipping labels and necessary customs documentation are generated through DutyPay, ensuring compliance.

The package is shipped directly to the U.S. Upon arrival, customs clearance is facilitated using the pre-submitted documentation, streamlining the process.

SEKO manages the last-mile delivery to the customer, ensuring timely and efficient service.

1. Customer Order and Duty Calculation

A customer places an order on the brand's ecommerce platform. DutyPay calculates the exact duties and taxes at checkout, providing the total cost upfront.

2. Fulfillment at Origin

The order is processed and packaged at the origin facility. Shipping labels and necessary customs documentation are generated through DutyPay, ensuring compliance.

3. International Shipping and Customs Clearance

The package is shipped directly to the U.S. Upon arrival, customs clearance is facilitated using the pre-submitted documentation, streamlining the process.

4. Final Mile Delivery

SEKO manages the last-mile delivery to the customer, ensuring timely and efficient service.

BENEFITS:

Reduced overhead by eliminating the need for U.S. warehousing.

Transparent pricing with duties and taxes calculated at checkout.

Simplified logistics with integrated customs documentation.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DUTYPAY OR THE DE MINIMIS CHANGES?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to understand how the latest U.S. import rules affect your business or want to explore how DutyPay can streamline your clearance process, our experts are ready to guide you.

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