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We regret but have to temporary suspend the shipments to USA

(olimex.wordpress.com)
639 points CTOSian | 9 comments | 26 Aug 25 17:22 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source | bottom
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InitialLastName ◴[26 Aug 25 17:49 UTC] No.45029930[source]▶
This whole tariff circus boils down to regulatory capture by manufacturers at the 10+-figure market cap scale. Olimex (and other small and medium businesses) can't reasonably be expected to calculate the exact material composition of their products (much less their suppliers' products); the only people who can are on the scale of Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google whose volumes can amortize the cost of doing so on a per-product basis (and who have probably already done that analysis as part of their process control).
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1. chrisco255 ◴[26 Aug 25 18:48 UTC] No.45030606[source]▶
If only people had access to spreadsheet software and affordable desktop computers, they could easily do these calculations.
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2. general1726 ◴[26 Aug 25 18:57 UTC] No.45030720[source]▶
You know that you can't do it on your own, but you need to have certification for that?

> U.S. customs is demanding a Certificate of Analysis (which could cost thousands of dollars and to determine what exact amount of Aluminum, Copper and Steel are in the product), otherwise they assume the entire PCB consists of copper, aluminum, and steel, and charge a 100% tariff on the whole product.

replies(1): >>45031448 #
3. thisisit ◴[26 Aug 25 19:15 UTC] No.45030927[source]▶
That is not how this works. No one can say - we used spreadsheet software and investigated ourselves and we estimate we use x mg of copper. Governments ask for something like a metal spectrometer analysis of components. They might even say each batch needs to be analysed and we trust analysis from spectrometers manufactured and/or operated in US. Each condition raising the price for certificate/analysis even more.
replies(1): >>45031714 #
4. chrisco255 ◴[26 Aug 25 19:50 UTC] No.45031448[source]▶
You can self certify unless it's a highly regulated import like pharma, food, or medical equipment.
replies(1): >>45031764 #
5. chrisco255 ◴[26 Aug 25 20:10 UTC] No.45031714[source]▶
The details are here: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summ...

And

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/...

And you use the ACE system to set everything up and report origins of melting, etc and it computes the fees for you:

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated

replies(1): >>45031880 #
6. crote ◴[26 Aug 25 20:14 UTC] No.45031764{3}[source]▶
Self-certification generally doesn't mean simply saying "trust us, we won't lie to you". They still expect you to be able to hand over a bunch of laboratory reports proving that you have actually tested your stuff.

The main difference is that with self-certification they will accept reports from your own in-house laboratory, rather than demanding reports from an independent pre-vetted testing lab.

Same with paperwork: you can make your own rather than having it made by an independent auditor - but you better still be able to back it up!

replies(1): >>45032142 #
7. crote ◴[26 Aug 25 20:24 UTC] No.45031880{3}[source]▶
From your first link:

> Does CBP require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at the time of entry? > > At this time, CBP does not require an aluminum certificate of analysis to be filed at the time of entry. CBP, however, >>> can <<< request the importer to provide an aluminum certificate of analysis if CBP needs one to ensure compliance with the entry requirements pertinent to the item being imported.

In other words: they usually trust people to file their paperwork correctly, but reserve the right to demand lab reports when they suspected foul play. Filing lab paperwork in advance is not needed, however.

As mentioned in Olimex's blog post: US customs is now starting to ask everyone for a Certificate of Analysis. Paperwork isn't enough anymore, even when it is an obviously harmless product which has been imported many times in the past without any issues. If you can't hand over a lab report, it's not getting in.

replies(1): >>45031984 #
8. chrisco255 ◴[26 Aug 25 20:34 UTC] No.45031984{4}[source]▶
And you can still self certify. Just follow the instructions on ACE.
9. dgfitz ◴[26 Aug 25 20:48 UTC] No.45032142{4}[source]▶
This seems… quite reasonable.