30 • October 2025 • Powersports Business

Powersports dealers relying on international suppliers and online parts retailers face new shipping hurdles as the U. S. government ends its long-standing“ de minimis” tariff exemption.

Effective Aug. 29, all imported goods, including small parcels previously valued at $ 800 or less, will now be subject to U. S. customs duties. The move, part of a Trump administration executive order, is intended to curb low-cost imports and boost domestic manufacturing. But it has sparked immediate disruptions across the global postal network.

Postal providers in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Mexico, India, South Korea, Thailand, and New Zealand have all suspended certain parcel deliveries to the U. S. In Europe, Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany stopped accepting business shipments to America as of Aug. 22. DHL Express remains operational, but with full customs clearance now required on all items.

For dealers, the new rules mean potential delays, added fees, and a reliance on commercial freight or express services for parts, accessories, and gear sourced overseas. According to U. S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments entered the country last year, representing over 4 million parcels processed daily. That flow is now significantly constrained.

Cost impacts could be steep. The executive order outlines charges of $ 80 –$ 200 per item, depending on a product’ s origin country and tariff category. Even small aftermarket or apparel shipments that once arrived duty-free will now face additional costs. Industry observers expect online market-

Effective Aug. 29, all imported goods, including small parcels previously valued at $ 800 or less, will now be subject to U. S. customs duties.( Photo: rawpixel. com / CC)

places like Amazon, TikTok Shop, Etsy, and Shopify— popular sourcing platforms for dealers and customers— to see significant slowdowns in global fulfillment.

While“ gift” shipments under $ 100 and document mail remain unaffected, all commercial goods now require full customs processing. DHL and other carriers are working with U. S.

authorities to clarify procedures and resume broader service. Until then, powersports businesses should expect higher landed costs and potential gaps in product availability.

HOTPRODUCTS

FRONT AXLE KIT Machined from chrome-moly steel, this Drag Specialties front axle kit includes axle, spacers, and hardware. The bright chrome fi nish on the axle and hardware makes your bike stand out. Available for’ 18-’ 25 FLFB / FXBR models. Suggested retail price: $ 164. in pairs and include anti-rattle clip and clutch lever pivot bushings. Available for’ 24 FLHTK / FLTRK’ 21-’ 25 FLHRXS,’ 21-’ 23 FLHT / FLHX / FLHR / FLTR( except’ 23 FLHXSE / FLTRXSE),’ 21-’ 25 FLHTCUTG / FLRT / FLTRT). The suggested retail price is $ 75 for chrome and $ 79 for matte black.

FRAME-MOUNTED HEAT DEFLECTORS Drag Specialties frame-mounted heat defl ectors direct heat away from the rider to improve comfort on hot summer rides. Easy to install with included hardware that mounts to the frame, just under the front of the seat. The defl ectors are made from tough plastic for durability and come in a black fi nish. Available for’ 08-’ 17 Softail models, excluding FXCW / C, FXSB / SE, and FXSE. Sold in pairs with a suggested retail price of $ 119.29

SHORT LEVER SETS Get a handle on your bike’ s controls with Drag Specialties Short Lever Sets. These Short Lever Sets measure 2.5” in length, which is 2.17” shorter than OEM levers. They feature die-cast aluminum construction and are available in chrome or matte black. Sold

TOUR-PAK FILLER PADS The tour-Pak fi ller pads work with Harley-Davidson King Tour-Paks and Drag Specialties Tour Box and are designed to fi ll the open area between the seat and tour box. The pads feature automotivegrade vinyl covering and mount to the stock holes on the tour box. Available for standard or relocated tour boxes for’ 14-’ 25 touring models with king-style tour boxes. Made in the U. S., with a suggested retail price range of $ 49.95 for standard and $ 40.95 for relocated.

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ADVERTISER INDEX

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