Italian Factory-Direct Shipping & Duty Changes FAQ

At L’Atelier Global, we’re proud to share authentic Italian leather bags and accessories, hand-stained and handcrafted in Tuscany by artisans carrying forward centuries of tradition. These heirloom-quality pieces embody the same craftsmanship found in luxury houses—without the inflated retail markups, thanks to our direct partnerships.

Due to a recent change in U.S. import regulations starting August 29, 2025, FedEx may now issue customs duty invoices on Italian bag and accessories orders. Please read below to understand what changed and how we’ve structured shipping to make this process seamless for you.

✦ Our promise remains: your final cost will never increase because of duty fees. ✦

What changed with the $800 duty-free allowance?

As of August 29, 2025, the U.S. eliminated the longstanding $800 de minimis exemption for lower-value shipments. Before this date, Italian bags under $800 would arrive duty-free. Now, all shipments of Italian leather bags are subject to customs duty.

Does this affect all products?

No. This only applies to our Italian leather bags and accessories imported directly from Tuscany. All other categories remain unaffected.

What are my shipping options?

We offer two ways to ship your bag — you’ll make your choice at checkout:

  • Factory-direct from Italy (FedEx Express/Standard — Delivery Duty Unpaid “DDU”)
    • Ships from Italy direct to your doorstep.
    • Fastest option: approx. 2–7 business days (Express) or up to 14 days (Standard).
    • Under DDU, FedEx bills the customer for duty because they are listed as the importer.
    • ✦ If you receive a duty invoice, simply send us a screenshot or copy of the bill — we’ll pay the bill for you, or reimburse you in full if you’ve already paid it.
  • Via L’Atelier Global (FedEx Express/Standard - Delivery Duty Paid “DDP” + $10 USA Domestic Transit)
    • Your bag ships first to our U.S. office, then to you.
    • Adds ~3–7 business days to delivery.
    • A minimal $10 shipping fee applies for USA domestic transit, no matter the package weight, size, or destination within the U.S.
    • Under DDP, FedEx bills us for duty because we are listed as the importer — you never receive a FedEx bill.

Why am I billed directly by FedEx with the Direct from Italy option?

FedEx requires the end customer to be listed as the importer of record (IOR) on shipments sent under Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). This is why FedEx bills you directly for duty, even though you purchased your bag from us. Under our Duty Paid (DDP) option, we are listed as the importer, so FedEx bills us for duty — you never see a bill.

What to Do If You Receive a FedEx Duty Invoice

✦ Don’t worry — your final cost will never increase. Just follow these quick steps:

  1. Check your mailbox — FedEx may send the duty invoice directly to you as the importer.
  2. Take a screenshot or photo of the invoice (or download the PDF if available).
  3. Send it to us at customer.service@latelierglobal.com.
  4. We’ll pay the bill for you. If you’ve already paid it, we’ll reimburse you in full to your original payment method.

✦ That’s it — quick, simple, and guaranteed.

Typical U.S. Customs Duty & Fees (by Category)

As of Aug 2025, most EU/Italian leather goods are assessed at a 15% base duty. When FedEx adds brokerage, disbursement, and processing fees, the total billed usually falls between 15–18%. Either way, we cover these costs in full.

Fashion Bags & Wallets (~15–18% total)

  • Handbags & Shoulder Bags
  • Wallets & Card Holders
  • Backpacks
  • Briefcases, Laptop Bags, Document Cases, Doctor Bags
  • Briefcase Backpacks (hybrid)

Travel Goods (~15–18% total)

  • Duffle Bags & Travel Totes
  • Luggage & Trolley Cases
  • Toiletry Kits (Dopp Kits)
  • Jewelry Rolls

Desk & Small Leather Goods (~15–18% total)

  • Valet Catchall Trays
  • Desk Pads
  • Mouse Pads

How we handle duty

  • DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid): FedEx bills the customer for duty because they are listed as the importer. You send us a screenshot or copy of the bill — we’ll pay the bill for you, or reimburse you in full if you’ve already paid it.
  • DDP (Delivery Duty Paid + $10 USA Domestic Transit): FedEx bills us for duty because we are listed as the importer. A minimal $10 fee applies for USA domestic transit, regardless of package weight, size, or destination. Territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and APO/FPO addresses are excluded from this flat fee. No bill is sent to you, though delivery takes ~3–7 days longer.

Are you covering these costs long-term?

Yes. Until FedEx allows us to be billed directly as the importer for all shipments, customers may continue to receive invoices under the Direct from Italy (DDU) option. But we will always cover 100% of these costs, whether FedEx bills you (DDU) or us (DDP).

What about shipping costs?

Shipping remains reliable and cost-effective:

  • Direct from Italy (DDU): fastest option at negotiated FedEx rates.
  • Via L’Atelier Global (DDP + $10 USA Domestic Transit): adds ~3–7 days plus a minimal $10 flat fee, but ensures duties are prepaid and never reach you.

Why shop Italian bags through L’Atelier Global?

  • Direct artisan pricing — fair prices set with Tuscan makers, without luxury retail markup.
  • Flexible shipping options — fastest (DDU) or most seamless (DDP).
  • Duty guarantee — your final cost never increases.

What are you doing to improve this process?

We are pressing for a long-term solution with FedEx so invoices never reach customers at all. Until then, we guarantee coverage of all duties and offer two shipping choices to fit your needs.

✦ Your style journey begins here. ✦

WELCOME TO L'ATELIER GLOBAL ✨  

WHERE BEAUTY & DESIGN IS AGELESS ✨