MEMO | IMPORTANT UPDATE

Attention: All Donors, Bidders, Shippers

From: Shadows of Hope Team

RE: Shipping to U.S.A

Dear All,

Due to new U.S. government trade policies put forth by the Trump Administration, international auction items CANNOT be shipped to anyone in the United States right now. We cannot express our extreme frustration, and we are just as upset as you are - this wasn’t our choice, and we’re incredibly disappointed in the current state of our nation. Please see below for details.

FAQ  

1. WHAT'S GOING ON?

   
   

   Thanks to recent U.S. regulations and tariffs, many countries have stopped shipping to the U.S. entirely - and those that haven’t are slapping on expensive customs duties that make international shipping a logistical nightmare.

   This all stems from two big moves by the Trump administration, but the primary is: The U.S. Canceled the “De Minimis” Rule: Until recently, international items worth less than $800 could be shipped to the U.S. without extra taxes or any red tape. That’s over now. As of August 29, 2025, every item shipped into the U.S. no matter the value, is taxed and inspected. Gifts under USD $100 are the exception.

   
   

   That change alone caused chaos in global shipping. Carriers don’t want to deal with the paperwork, delays, and liability.

   
   
   
   

2. WHO IS INVOLVED? 

   
   

   30+ Countries Have Stopped Shipping to the U.S. As of this week, over 30 countries including Australia, Japan, India, Germany, France, and New Zealand have either suspended U.S. deliveries or heavily restricted them.
   

   Why? They don’t want to navigate the mess of new U.S. import rules and unpredictable fees.

   
   

   See More: https://time.com/7312579/countries-stop-shipping-us-de-minimis-exemption-trump-trade-tariffs/ 
   

3. WHAT'S THE U.S. DOING? Unfortunately, Not much. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now requires duties on every international shipment, calculated using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), with rates based on the item's origin, material, and purchase value

   Customs and Border Updates: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/know-before-you-visit/customs-duty-information 
   

4. WHAT CAN WE DO?  Since this creates some implications and issues for Shadows of Hope, here are some recommendations:

   U.S. AUCTION BIDDERS: We strongly recommend focusing on items already located within the U.S., or limiting international shipping to personal gifts under $100. BE ADVISED though even these may face risk or delay, as all funds raised go to charity, we cannot offer refunds but will do our best to find a replacement of equal value should your item not arrive.

   U.S. DONORS/SHIPPERS: No restrictions on shipping out or domestically.

   Be advised, shipping overseas has become expensive due to tariffs and duties. Please alert us whether you’d like to stay domestic or open international shipping. Pirate Ship is a great postage purchase company for saving some money! Please ensure all items shipped have tracking regardless of carrier.

   
   

   INTERNATIONAL AUCTION BIDDERS: No restrictions on bidding.

   Please Note you may be asked to cover shipping from U.S. based items as tariffs and duties have exorbitantly increased our costs to ship overseas.

   
   

   INTERNATIONAL DONORS/SHIPPERS: If you plan to ship items to U.S. recipients, please be aware that current shipping channels may be suspended or blocked, and duties will be applied regardless of cost.

   Shipping to the U.S. is AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you choose to take this risk, please include tracking on ALL items.

   DIGITAL ITEMS: No Restrictions.

A NOTE TO ALL: Remember that all monetary donations regardless of where you're from WILL make it to the beneficiary! Though we face this hurdle, we can still persevere and have a successful fundraiser! We’re truly sorry for the disruption, frustration, and confusion this has caused. We know how much heart goes into these donations - and how much hope goes into each bid.

Conclusion: While we deeply regret that this situation is out of our hands, and we ABSOLUTELY hate that bureaucracy and bad policy are standing in the way of YOUR generosity.

Please know we’re doing everything we can to work around these obstacles and keep our mission going strong! We are so proud of you all and how you've come together with us to help those in need.

Thank you for sticking with us. 

Together we can change the world,

The Shadows of Hope Team