What’s Going On With Tariffs? And Why EU-Made Gear Might Be a Safe Bet Right Now

TLDR: Tariffs on imports are shifting, making some gear more expensive. Products from China often come with unexpected customs fees, but items made in the EU, like those from Filmatura, usually avoid these tariffs. Plus, the US has paused certain tariffs for 90 days until July 14, which means orders from the EU, like ours, should be free from surprise customs fees during this time. Stay tuned for updates after July 14.

If you’ve bought gear from outside the US recently, you might’ve run into unexpected customs fees. That’s because tariffs – basically taxes on imports – are shifting again. And while it’s not always front-page news, it is quietly affecting what filmmakers end up paying for tools and accessories.

A Quick Overview

Tariffs are government-imposed fees on imported goods. The idea is to protect local industries by making foreign products more expensive. In practice, it means that a camera accessory that used to cost $100 shipped from China might now come with an extra $20–$40 in fees, depending on how it’s classified and who’s shipping it.

In recent years, the US has placed significant tariffs on many Chinese-made goods, especially electronics and components. This has affected a lot of the camera gear market, since many budget accessories and even some name-brand products are made in China.

On top of that, customs classification can be inconsistent. Sometimes similar products get classified differently, leading to some packages slipping through without fees, while others get hit hard. It’s unpredictable, and that’s frustrating for both buyers and sellers.

What About the EU?

Here’s the interesting part: as of now, products made in the European Union generally aren’t subject to the same tariffs when entering the US. EU–US trade, at least in terms of filmmaking gear, remains relatively straightforward.

That means if something is genuinely designed, made, and shipped from the EU, there’s a good chance it’ll clear customs without added duties. Shipping still costs something, sure, but you’re not getting slapped with surprise import taxes like you might with a product sourced from Asia.

Why It Matters

For indie filmmakers and creators who are careful about their budgets, that predictability matters. Knowing that the price you see at checkout is actually what you’ll pay makes a big difference – especially when you're ordering from halfway around the world.

This is where companies like mine come in. At Filmatura, everything is made in-house in the Czech Republic. So when someone in the US orders a REVO, cage, cheeseplate, or other accessory, it ships directly from the EU. No middlemen, no hidden fees, and no uncertainty at the border (at least, not currently).

Bonus Update: Tariff Pause Until July 14

Here’s a key update: the US has added a 90-day pause on certain tariffs, lasting until July 14. This pause applies to some products coming from China, but it also means that for products ordered directly from the EU – like those from Filmatura – there should be no surprise customs fees either. The temporary tariff suspension makes it more predictable for US customers buying from EU-based businesses, such as ours.

While this is a short-term measure, it provides a clearer path for buyers to know exactly what they’ll pay. However, it’s important to stay informed, as these rules could change after July 14.