7 Mistakes You're Making with International Shipping (and How Tariff Changes Are Making Them Worse)

International shipping has become a high-stakes game in 2025. What were once manageable mistakes can now result in substantial financial penalties, shipment seizures, and severe operational disruptions. With evolving tariff regulations and customs authorities intensifying their scrutiny, merchants must understand how these changes amplify the consequences of common shipping errors.

The landscape has shifted dramatically. Tariff changes aren't just adding costs: they're fundamentally altering how customs authorities evaluate and process shipments. Every mistake now carries an amplified risk, and businesses that fail to adapt are facing devastating consequences.

Mistake #1: Mixed Shipment Misunderstandings

One of the most critical mistakes merchants make is failing to understand how U.S. Customs and Border Protection handles mixed shipments under new tariff rules. If a shipment contains even a single product from a tariffed country, the entire shipment becomes subject to applicable tariffs and compliance measures.

This represents a fundamental shift from previous practices. The entire shipment becomes ineligible for de minimis clearance, which previously allowed many small-value shipments to enter the country without incurring duties. The days of mixing products from different origins without consequence are over.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Enhanced scrutiny means customs authorities are using advanced technology to identify mixed shipments more effectively. What used to slip through now triggers comprehensive inspections, causing delays and unexpected costs across your entire order.

Mistake #2: Country of Origin Confusion

A widespread misconception continues to cause costly errors: believing that the country a product ships from determines its tariff treatment. Tariffs are based on the Country of Origin (COO): where the product was manufactured, not where it's shipped from.

For example, goods manufactured in China remain subject to standard tariffs, duties, and fees regardless of whether they're shipped from an intermediary country like Hong Kong. Understanding the difference between preferential origin (which applies to goods qualifying for Free Trade Agreements) and non-preferential origin (used for standard customs entry) is essential.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Automated systems now cross-reference shipping origins with manufacturing origins more aggressively. Attempts to route through third countries to avoid tariffs are being flagged, resulting in penalties and enhanced scrutiny for future shipments.

Mistake #3: Relying on Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU)

Delivery Duty Unpaid has traditionally been popular because it allows merchants to pass duties and taxes onto buyers upon delivery. However, rising tariffs have made this strategy increasingly ineffective and risky.

The numbers tell a sobering story. Historically, approximately 10% of DDU shipments were refused due to unexpected duties, but with new tariffs, refusal rates have increased significantly. Since Canada implemented tariffs on U.S.-origin goods in March 2025, landed costs for shipments rose from CAD $21 to CAD $79.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Many DDU shipments that previously benefited from de minimis and Section 321 exemptions now undergo full parcel clearance, leading to longer delays and additional compliance requirements. Customer satisfaction plummets when they face unexpected charges at delivery.

Mistake #4: Documentation Errors and Omissions

Incorrect or incomplete documentation remains one of the leading causes of shipping delays, but tariff changes have made these errors far more consequential. Proper documentation ensures shipments clear customs smoothly, and errors now trigger enhanced scrutiny under stricter tariff enforcement.

The problem extends beyond simple clerical mistakes. Vague descriptions are no longer acceptable: terms like "general cargo," "machinery," "watch," or "electronics" are insufficient. Documentation must include:

• Detailed descriptions with correct HS codes
• Number of units and packaging type
• Exact weight and dimensions
• Precise nature of goods and materials

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Automated customs systems frequently misclassify products with poor documentation, applying wrong tariff codes that trigger high fees. What used to be a minor delay is now a costly compliance violation.

Mistake #5: Undervaluing or Misrepresenting Products

Some merchants attempt to manipulate item values or misrepresent Country of Origin to reduce tariff costs: a serious violation with potentially devastating consequences that customs authorities are pursuing more aggressively.

The case of Evolutions Flooring Inc. serves as a stark warning. This California-based importer settled an $8.1 million case for customs fraud after knowingly mis-declaring made-in-China wood flooring as Malaysian to evade tariffs.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Customs authorities have become increasingly vigilant about fraudulent declarations, using advanced data analytics to identify suspicious patterns. Penalties now include fines, shipment seizures, and criminal liability. The risk far outweighs any potential savings.

Mistake #6: Inadequate Packaging Standards

While packaging might seem secondary to documentation concerns, inadequate packaging can lead to damaged goods that trigger insurance claims and customs complications. Goods traveling long distances require sturdy packaging to withstand the journey.

The current tariff environment makes this mistake more costly because damaged goods create additional complications during customs inspection. Using quality materials and following best practices in packaging, including compliance with destination-specific regulations like ISPM-15 for wood packaging, helps prevent these issues.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Damaged goods during inspection can lead to additional scrutiny of your shipping practices, potentially affecting future shipments. Insurance claims become more complex when tariff disputes are involved, extending resolution times and increasing costs.

Mistake #7: Customs Compliance Negligence

Each country maintains its own set of customs regulations, and failing to comply can result in delays, fines, or shipment seizures. The current tariff landscape has made customs compliance more complex and unforgiving.

Export controls and trade sanctions vary widely by product and destination, and violating them can result in legal trouble, substantial fines, or a revoked export license. With shifting regulations and heightened enforcement, staying informed is essential.

How Tariff Changes Make It Worse: Regulatory changes are happening faster than ever, and what was compliant last month may not be today. Enhanced enforcement means violations that previously resulted in warnings now carry immediate financial penalties.

The Solution: Partner with Experienced Professionals

These mistakes aren't just costly: they're potentially business-ending in today's environment. The good news? They're entirely preventable with the right expertise and partnerships.

At ARI Shipping Corporation, we understand the complexities of modern international shipping and help businesses navigate these challenges successfully. Our experienced team stays current with tariff changes and compliance requirements, ensuring your shipments move smoothly across borders.

Whether you need assistance with hazardous cargo shipping, construction equipment shipping, or standard freight forwarding, we provide the expertise and support you need to avoid these costly mistakes.

Don't let shipping mistakes derail your business growth. Contact us today for a consultation and discover how our tailored logistics solutions can protect your operations while optimizing your international shipping strategy.

Ready to eliminate shipping risks? Get your custom quote and let our experts handle the complexities while you focus on growing your business.