What changed for US buyers
For years, most agent parcels to the US arrived without duties because low-value shipments were exempt. That ended in 2025. Today, parcels from China to New York and the rest of the US are subject to duties regardless of value. For spreadsheet buyers, the practical question is no longer whether you'll pay, but when and how: upfront in the shipping price, or to the carrier before delivery.
US parcels now carry duties; plan for them in every order.
DDP lines vs non-DDP lines
| DDP (duties paid) | Non-DDP | |
|---|---|---|
| When duties are paid | At checkout, in the shipping price | Collected by the carrier before delivery |
| Extra fees at the door | None expected | Duties plus possible brokerage fee |
| Checkout price | Higher, but final | Lower, but not final |
| Risk | Low surprise | Surprise bills, delays if unpaid |
DDP lines look more expensive at checkout because they include costs that other lines push to the end. Compare the DDP price with the non-DDP price plus the duties and fees you'd pay on delivery. For most buyers, the predictability of DDP is worth it. Usfans and several other agents market DDP lines to US buyers; on Oopbuy, check the line descriptions when you submit a parcel.
For US parcels, compare DDP against the full cost of non-DDP, not its headline price.
Delivery times to New York
Allow two stages. First, about a week for items to reach Oopbuy's warehouse in China and pass QC. Then the line's transit time: express lines with carriers such as DHL, FedEx or UPS typically take one to two weeks once the parcel leaves the warehouse, and economy lines take longer. Customs processing can add a few days, especially on non-DDP parcels waiting for payment. Chinese New Year and the November to December peak add delays on top. The shipping time guide breaks down every stage.
Plan two to five weeks door to door, longer around Chinese holidays.
Keeping US parcels affordable
- Combine items into one parcel. One shipment means one set of fees instead of several.
- Reduce volume. Remove shoe boxes and vacuum-pack clothing to cut volumetric weight.
- Estimate before buying. The shipping calculator works out chargeable weight from your box size.
- Use shipping coupons from your Oopbuy wallet; see the coupon guide.
- Read the line's terms on duties, insurance and what happens if a parcel is held.
One combined, compact, DDP parcel is the most predictable way to ship to the US.
Address details that prevent delays
US carriers rely on a complete address and a reachable phone number, especially for duty payments on non-DDP lines. Use your full street address with apartment number, the five-digit ZIP code in its own field and a US phone number. In New York apartment buildings, include the unit number clearly; parcels without one are a common cause of failed deliveries and returns to the depot.
Full address, unit number and a US phone number keep parcels moving.
Customs and seized parcels
US customs can detain goods that infringe trademarks, and when that happens the money for the parcel is usually lost; many line insurances exclude seizures. Know what you're ordering and read the line's insurance terms. Carrier notices asking for payment should match a real tracking number from your agent; be wary of texts or emails demanding fees through unfamiliar links, a common delivery scam.
Only pay duty notices you can match to your agent's tracking number.
Getting started from New York
Browse finds in the grid above or on the Oopbuy spreadsheet, follow how to order from Oopbuy, and check the agent index if you're comparing agents. Add your delivery address with a US phone number so the carrier can reach you.
FAQ
Do I pay duty on Oopbuy parcels to the US?
Yes. Duty-free treatment of low-value parcels ended in 2025, so duties apply. On DDP lines they're included in the shipping price; on other lines the carrier collects them before delivery.
What is a DDP line?
Delivered duty paid: duties and import charges are paid upfront as part of shipping, so nothing is due at your door.
How long does shipping to New York take?
Express lines typically take one to two weeks in transit after leaving the warehouse; economy lines take longer. Add about a week for items to reach the warehouse.
Why did I get a bill from the carrier?
On non-DDP lines, carriers pay duties for you at import and then collect them, often with a brokerage or processing fee.
Does New York charge extra tax on imports?
Imported parcels are subject to federal duties; local sales tax on online purchases depends on the seller and platform. Check the final amounts at checkout and on any carrier notice.