SHIPPING & RETURNS

Shipping & Import Policy

Effective Date: 11/17/2025

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Thank you for shopping at Atelier Cathy & Co. Inc.! We are committed to clear, transparent, and fair shipping for all customers. Please read the following Shipping & Import Policy carefully before placing an order.

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Shipping Destinations

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• We now offer shipping to the United States of America, in addition to Canada.

• Orders will be shipped using trusted couriers, such as UPS, and other reliable carriers, depending on the destination and service selected.

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Order Processing Time

• Orders are typically processed within 2-3 business days after payment is confirmed.

• Processing times may be longer during peak periods; we’ll notify you if there is any delay.

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Shipping & Tracking

Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number via email, so you can monitor its progress.

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Please note: we are not responsible for packages left unattended by the carrier if no signature is required. If you prefer a signature on delivery, indicate this in the “Order Notes” at checkout, and we will do our best to accommodate.

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Shipping Times

​Shipping times are estimated and depend on your location. You will receive a tracking number via email when your order is shipped, allowing you to track your delivery's progress.

 

Shipping Charges

• Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on:

  1. Total weight of the package,

  2. Shipping destination (U.S. address), and

  3. Chosen shipping method (standard, expedited, etc.).

• Any applicable customs brokerage fees, duties, or taxes are not included in the shipping cost at checkout for U.S. customers. 

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Import Duties, Taxes & Fees (U.S. Customers)

• Import Duties & Taxes

  1. As of August 29, 2025, the U.S. de minimis exemption (duty-free threshold) for shipments valued at US$800 or less has been suspended. Trade Commissioner Service+2FileXfer+2

  2. This means that all U.S.-bound shipments, regardless of value, may be subject to import duties and taxes. FileXfer+1

  3. Duties are assessed under U.S. import rules; the applicable rate depends on the country of origin of the goods, their classification (HS code), and whether they qualify under CUSMA / USMCA rules of origin. Trade Commissioner Service+2shippingchimp.com+2

  4. Under current tariff policy, non-CUSMA goods from Canada may be subject to a 35% IEEPA tariff, unless they are CUSMA-compliant. Trade Commissioner Service+1

• Duties Payment Option

  1. The shipping carrier may require payment from you (the recipient) upon delivery, and any brokerage or handling fees charged by the carrier are your responsibility.

  2. Once your order reaches U.S. customs, you will need to pay any applicable duties and taxes. To do this, visit the UPS Tracking page, enter your tracking number, and follow the provided payment link. In some cases, you may also need to contact UPS directly to confirm that they are acting as the customs broker for your shipment.

• Payment via UPS Tracking / “Pay Now” Link

  1. For U.S. imports, UPS offers a way for the recipient to prepay duties and taxes online. When the package is in UPS’s system, the recipient may get a notification (via email or through UPS My Choice) with a “Pay Now” link in the tracking portal. UPS+2UPS+2

  2. This is the preferred method, paying online avoids a surcharge that can be applied if duties are collected at delivery. UPS

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Brokerage Fees

• In addition to duties and taxes, there may be brokerage fees. UPS acts as the customs broker (unless another broker is designated). UPS

• There is also a disbursement fee (sometimes called a “customs clearance fee”) when UPS advances duty/tax payments to customs. UPS

• The receiver (U.S. customer) is typically responsible for the brokerage fee, unless otherwise agreed. UPS

 

What Happens If They Don’t Pay

• If the consignee (recipient) does not pay the required import fees, UPS may hold the package, or attempt to bill the outstanding amount to the customer.

• Customers are fully responsible for any import duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or customs charges assessed by their country’s border services.

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Risk & Liability

• Once the package is handed over to the courier, the risk of loss or damage during transit transfers to the buyer.

• We strongly encourage you to purchase shipping insurance if available/desired, especially for higher-value orders.

• Atelier Cathy & Co. Inc. is not liable for delays, seizures, or extra fees resulting from U.S. customs inspections, duties, or brokerage processing.​

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Customer Responsibilities & Disclosures

• By placing an order for U.S. shipping, you acknowledge that you are responsible for:

  1. Paying any import duties, taxes, or fees assessed upon delivery,

  2. Working with the courier to clear the package through U.S. customs, and

  3. Paying any broker handling or storage fees (if applicable).

• We recommend that you check with your local customs broker or carrier for guidance and to estimate import costs.

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Updates to This Policy

• We may revise this policy to reflect changes in shipping regulations, tariffs, or carrier requirements. We will post any updates on our website.

• The effective date at the top of this policy indicates when the current terms came into force.​

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Please note that without a signature requirement, the shipping carrier may, at their discretion, leave the package at the delivery location.