Tariff Update

UPDATE: MARCH 4th 2025

Tariff Update for US Customers

As you may have heard, the Trump administration has introduced a 25% tariff on goods from Canada, effective as of March 4th 2025. However, the de minimis customs exemption remains in place for now, meaning that any package entering the U.S. valued under $800 USD will not be subject to these tariffs.This may change in the future, but for the time being you can continue placing orders as usual without additional customs charges even though we are shipping packages from our studio in Montreal, Canada.

We know this is a stressful time, and we’ll keep you updated on any changes as we learn more. Through it all, we want to celebrate our incredible sewing community. Your kind messages of support have truly meant the world to us, and we can’t thank you enough for your continued support during this uncertain time.

Important Note: On the off chance that you are asked to pay a tariff upon delivery of your small package, please do NOT make the payment (we don't anticipate this being an issue, but in the chaos of implementing this new trade policy, anything is possible). Similarly, if you receive a bill in the mail after delivery, please dispute it. At this point, there is no reason you should be charged a tariff on an order of less than $800, so please let us know right away if this happens.

Understanding the De Minimis Exemption

"De minimis" is a legal term meaning "too small to be considered." It allows businesses outside the US to ship packages valued up to $800 USD to American customers without incurring duties. This customs exemption has been in place since 2016 when it was increased from $200, and is why we are able to ship duty free packages to our wonderful customers in the US.

While the US government plans to reevaluate the current de minimis policy, they are continuing to allow duty-free de minimis shipments from Canada and Mexico until US customs is able to efficiently process duty collection on these packages.

On March 2, President Trump issued an executive order that delays the removal of de minimis for imports from Canada and Mexico. This order states that the duty-free de minimis treatment—which allows low-value imports to enter the U.S. without tariffs—will remain in effect until the Secretary of Commerce certifies that systems are fully operational to process and collect tariff revenue efficiently*. Once this occurs, the exemption will end.

If or when this happens, we will likely have to start charging tariffs at checkout for US customers, and will inform you when this change occurs. Whatever happens next, please know that we’re doing everything we can to find the best solution for both you, our valued customers, and the future of our small business.

In reference to Executive Order 14193 (February 1, 2025) and its amendment by Executive Order 14197 (February 3, 2025), the following change was made to section 2(h):

"Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 is available for otherwise eligible covered articles described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such duty-free de minimis treatment shall cease to be available for such otherwise eligible covered articles upon notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expeditiously process and collect tariff revenue applicable pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section for covered articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment."