August 29, 2025
New US tariff regulations
To our most valued US customers:
As of August 29, 2025, there are new tariff regulations in place on all goods coming into the US. Here’s what’s changed:
Prior to August 29, 2025, tape decks and blank tape valued under $800 US were not subject to any duty, taxes or tariffs. We could fill out our own customs paperwork, and bring the items into the US without customs brokers or any fees being charged. (Prior to May 2025, it was $2,500 US)
As of August 29, there is a flat 15% ‘reciprocal’ tariff charge on all goods made outside of the US, and all items and orders being brought into the US must go through a customs broker. A minimum customs broker charge typically is $80 US, no matter what the value of the invoice is. That’s their charge to process the paperwork. The price goes up as the value of the invoice goes up.
In addition, every shipment entering the US will require a business EIN (tax) number on the invoice, or your social security number to process the customs paperwork. From the US customs website:
“When importing goods into the United States, the Social Security Number (SSN) is required for customs paperwork. This requirement applies to shipments going into the USA and is part of the customs clearance process. The SSN is used to verify the identity of the buyer and to ensure that the goods are cleared through customs without any issues. It is important to provide the correct SSN, as failure to do so may result in delays or complications with the import process.
Paperwork without an EIN or SSN on them, regardless of the invoice amount will be rejected, and will not be able to enter the US.”
What this Means for RTRTech
Effectively immediately, it is not feasible to ship any of the items for sale on our website into the US, with regards to blank tape (new or used), reels, NAB hubs, and other accessories listed. With a minimum $80 customs broker fee, even an order for a $50 set of NAB hubs will have a $80 paperwork fee attached to it, plus tariff charges.
Parts and deck sales under $500.00 to the U.S.
Due to the $80 customs broker charges, it’s not really feasible to sell decks and parts/accessories under $500 at this time. The tariff/customs surcharge adds too much to low value sales.
Currently, until things change, we cannot be competitive with other US sellers. For Canadian buyers, there are no tariffs, so sales of tape, 7″ decks, and accessories can continue at the same prices as stated on the website.
Tape Deck Sales
Decks made in Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Norway ;
Effective immediately, we will reduce our tape deck prices by 5-10% across the board, but ultimately after you add the 15% reciprocal tariff and the customs broker fees, the price will go up by 10-18%, depending on the value of the deck. (The lower the value of the deck itself, the more the increase will be, due to the minimum $80 custom broker charges.)
Decks made in the U.S.A.
(Ampex, Berlant, Crown, etc) have no reciprocal tariffs on them, but the customs broker charges still apply, between 2-8% of the total value of the deck purchase price.
Each one of our invoices will show a complete breakdown of the value of the deck, the discount given, and the tariffs and customs charges.
Tape Deck Repairs
Currently there is no tariff on tape decks coming up to Canada for repair. We register each deck at US customs before it goes into Canada, so that they end up being ‘US goods returning’ . Regardless of where the deck is made, including the US, the value of the repairs is still subject to the 15% tariff and the customs broker fees, as the charges is on the parts and labor, which are done in Canada. The value of the deck itself is not subject to tariffs.
As with tape deck sales, we are reducing our labor rate 5-10% depending on the repair, but ultimately our charges for repairs will be up 10-20%, depending on the value of the repair.
Each one of our invoices will show a complete breakdown of the value of the repair, the discount given, and the tariffs and customs charges.
Shipments going to the U.S.
Up to August 29, we were making trips to the US to pick up and ship out goods at least weekly, and usually twice a week. To minimize the customs broker charges, this will change to once every two weeks, so that the minimum customs broker charges can be spread across as many shipments and orders as possible.
Will you devalue the invoice to reduce the tariff charges?
No! A first time offence in doctoring customs invoices is $10,000, likely seizure of the item(s) and subsequent offences go up from there.
We regret having to implement these charges to our valued US customers. Approximately 90% of our business is with the US, and without being able to sell blank tape and accessories, our business is greatly affected.
As things change regarding tariffs, we will update this notice as new regulations apply. Should the tariffs be dropped, we will immediately drop any surcharges. We must however abide by US and Canadian laws.