Due to conflicting information circulating in the market, we would like to clarify the official rules for calculating customs duties on shipments from the European Union to the United States. Below, we present a clear comparison of how the system worked previously and what applies today.
How it worked before
Under the previous trade framework, a minimum duty level of 15% applied to most products originating from the EU. The mechanism operated as follows:
If the base customs duty rate under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) was lower than 15%, the 15% rate was applied.
If the base HTS rate was higher than 15%, that higher rate applied.
In practice, this meant that a 15% threshold functioned as a minimum duty floor for the majority of goods.
How it works now
The 15% minimum threshold mechanism is no longer in force.
Currently, the applicable duty is based on the standard base rate resulting directly from the HTS classification of the product.
In addition to that base rate, an extra 10% ad valorem duty is applied as a temporary import surcharge.
As a result, the total customs burden now depends strictly on the specific tariff code assigned to the product and the current regulations applicable to that classification.
Key facts to remember
The additional duty currently in force is 10%.
The 15% ad valorem rate was publicly announced by President Trump, but it was not formally implemented.
Each customs calculation now requires precise reference to the correct HS/HTS code and the currently applicable rules.
For exporters and importers, this change highlights the importance of accurate product classification and up-to-date duty verification. If you have questions regarding specific products or HS codes, we encourage individual verification to ensure proper cost planning and compliance at the time of customs clearance.
From March 9–13, we’ll be attending the 15th Worldwide Conference of WCAworld in Singapore – one of the world’s key trade hubs. Rafał Michalski and Olaf Lenz will be meeting partners from Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. The goal is simple: practical talks about new routes, joint projects, and building international supply chains that actually work better.
WCAworld — real operational scale, not just networking
WCAworld brings together over 13,000 offices across 196 countries, making it the largest network of independent logistics companies in the world. For us, that scale means real operational security. Instead of guessing when entering new markets, we rely on hard local knowledge from trusted experts. Having proven partners almost everywhere allows us to run international shipments with the flexibility big corporations often lack – while still handling the most complex projects.
Partnerships that truly support global operations
Our presence in WCAworld is about everyday, hands-on support for our clients. Strong relationships with partners around the world let us organize transport faster and respond more smoothly to market changes. The Singapore conference is a key moment to deepen those connections and plan the next joint initiatives.
Let’s connect in Singapore
We invite you to schedule meetings with Rafał Michalski and Olaf Lenz during the WCAworld conference. Let’s talk specifics and the real opportunities that come from working together on logistics projects. We also encourage you to follow Langowski Logistics on LinkedIn, where we’ll be sharing event updates and news straight from Singapore.
The U.S. as a logistics destination – an increasingly popular choice for European companies
For many years, the U.S. market has remained one of the key directions for expansion for European companies, including those from Poland and Ukraine. Increasingly, this applies not only to large exporters, but also to mid-sized enterprises developing transatlantic sales or cooperating with U.S. retail chains and e-commerce platforms.
In practice, this translates into a growing number of inquiries about air freight to the United States. For many companies, not only delivery time is becoming critical, but also the predictability of the entire process and support in terms of formalities and cost management.
Air freight as a deliberate business decision
Air freight is increasingly less often chosen solely as an emergency solution. In many cases, it becomes part of a deliberate logistics strategy, particularly when:
delivery delays directly impact sales or production continuity,
goods must reach the market within a strictly defined timeframe,
stability and predictability of supply are crucial,
the client expects comprehensive service rather than just flight organization.
In such scenarios, air freight helps shorten time-to-market and reduce supply chain risks – provided it is properly planned.
Poland – USA air freight: real-life scenarios
One of the most frequently handled trade lanes is air freight exports from Poland to the United States. This primarily concerns manufacturers and trading companies shipping high-value or operationally critical goods, such as:
windows and joinery components,
furniture and interior equipment,
automotive components and parts,
machinery, equipment and spare parts,
parts for vessels and aircraft,
pharmaceutical products,
goods delivered to retail chains and fulfillment centers.
In such shipments, air freight serves as a tool to ensure supply continuity, rapid stock replenishment or the execution of urgent contracts.
USA Operations – From Air Export to Final Delivery
In the case of the U.S. market, it is not only the air export from Europe that matters, but also the efficient execution of logistics processes on the U.S. side. For this reason, Langowski Logistics operates through its U.S.-based company – Langowski Logistics Corp., providing customers with end-to-end supply chain support on both sides of the Atlantic.
As part of air exports to the USA, we provide our own in-house handling of shipments on the U.S. side, based on DAP and DDP terms at all major U.S. airports, including the organization of onward transportation to the final consignee.
The offered solutions include both cost-efficient options (LTL) and dedicated truck deliveries. Shipments are delivered to e-commerce warehouses, including Amazon and Walmart fulfillment centers, as well as to business and private recipients.
Thanks to a local operational structure, we are able to coordinate processes on an ongoing basis, respond more quickly to changes on the U.S. side, and actively support customers in making operational decisions already at the delivery planning stage. For many companies, Polish-speaking support is an additional advantage, allowing them to navigate U.S. customs and logistics procedures more efficiently.
Ukraine – USA and other routes requiring a tailored approach
Air freight shipments from Ukraine to the United States require careful operational coordination and efficient management of formal procedures. In practice, they most often involve road transport from Ukraine to selected logistics hubs in Poland or other European countries, followed by onward air transport to the United States.
In such scenarios, air freight is used when delivery time, cargo security or supply chain flexibility are critical. At the same time, ocean freight and other multimodal solutions are also applied – always depending on the nature of the cargo and actual business requirements.
Air freight also means documentation and customs
For many companies, the first step before starting imports is estimating total costs. Questions such as “What’s the duty for furniture from Poland?” arise very frequently – and rightly so.
Air freight without an analysis of documentation and customs duties does not provide a complete cost picture. That is why Langowski Logistics also supports clients in:
determining the correct customs classification (HS / HTS),
calculating customs duties,
preparing complete documentation,
calculating full door-to-door costs.
“In air freight, speed alone is increasingly no longer the main factor,” says Rafał Michalski, CEO of Langowski Logistics Corp.“What matters most is the predictability of the entire process – from the initial cost calculation, through documentation and customs clearance, to final delivery. Especially on routes such as the United States, organizing a flight is not enough. You need to understand local procedures, importer responsibility and real door-to-door costs. Our role is to take this burden off the client and help them make the right business decision before time pressure arises.”
DDP, IOR and operator responsibility
For shipments to the United States, DDP terms are increasingly used, and services related to Importer of Record (IOR) support are offered to foreign entities. This solution is particularly important for companies that do not have their own operational structure in the United States but want to sell their products on the U.S. market in an organized manner and in compliance with local regulations.
Air freight as a driver of growth
Well-planned air freight is not a short-term cost, but a tool that supports sales growth, secures supply continuity and enables faster responses to market changes.
If you are considering air freight to the United States, imports to Poland or want to calculate full logistics and customs costs first, it is worth starting with a conversation and analysis – before time pressure appears.
