Vinyl records are officially tariff-free in the US as of September 2025. US Customs and Border Protection confirmed the exemption under its “information materials” category. The rule covers new and used vinyl, regardless of origin.
On August 29, 2025, sweeping tariffs took effect on many imports. But vinyl, CDs, and cassettes remain exempt. Their classification in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, backed by 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b), protects them. Collectors, record shops, Discogs and Bandcamp sellers, and importers will not pay added duties. T-shirts, posters, and other merch are not exempt.
The US recently scrapped the “de minimis” rule, which allowed $800 worth of duty-free imports. That change hit most goods, but not vinyl. International sellers must clearly label shipments as “Informational Materials: phonograph (vinyl) record” and use the correct HS code. Without this, customs agents may delay or misclassify packages.
Postal services have reported delays due to the new tariff system. Couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL still deliver, often at higher cost.
Exemption does not guarantee smooth processing if the labeling is vague. The safest option is to write: “Phonograph (vinyl) record – informational material.”
Tariff Status (US, 2025)
| Format | Tariff Status | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl records | Exempt | Information materials |
| CDs | Exempt | Information materials |
| Cassettes | Exempt | Information materials |
| Posters/Merch | Not exempt | General goods |
Bottom line is Vinyl stays free of US tariffs.
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