How We Helped a Solar Panel Client Appeal and Avoid a 260% Tariff

In July, one of our U.S. clients imported custom solar panels for a university research project.

When the shipment arrived at the Port of New York, customs applied a 260% anti-dumping tariff — even though the buyer was an educational institution.

What We Recommended

When the client told us, here’s the exact advice we gave:

1. Pay the tariff first and release the goods

           This gets the shipment out of the port immediately and avoids costly demurrage fees.

           2. File a tariff appeal right away

                Reason: the product was for research, not for resale or commercial use.

                 1) Work with the university’s legal team to prepare and submit the appeal

                 2) Use the university’s designated customs broker, who already knows the process inside out

The client followed this plan and was able to start the appeal without delay. Before this, they didn’t even know their university had these resources available.

Why We Could Help So Quickly

• 20+ years of industry experience
• Long history of working with university labs, so we know the special tariff considerations for research equipment
• Since the new tariff rules took effect in June, we’ve already helped several clients in similar situations

Every case we handle adds to our experience — which means faster, more effective solutions for the next client.

Who We Are

At Abloomax, we provide custom automation machines and turnkey solar solutions, delivered worldwide.

With 20 years of expertise, we help you get the right equipment at the right price — while reducing the risks and surprises of cross-border purchasing.

‍