Guide for U.S. Customers Purchasing the Streacom SG10

How best to navigate the potential import duty charge

The Streacom SG10 is a high-end fanless gaming PC case shipped from Europe. Due to recent changes in trade tariffs, U.S. customers need to be aware of potential issues with import duties. This guide explains the situation and what steps to take to ensure a smooth delivery.

New Import Tariffs on European Goods

In 2024–2025, the United States introduced new import tariffs on many goods manufactured in Europe. This means products coming from the EU can incur additional duty fees when entering the U.S. However, based on U.S. customs classification, the SG10 should not be subject to any additional duty when imported.

SG10 and Import Duties (Why No Extra Fee Should Apply)

  • The Streacom SG10 is classified under HS Code 8473.30.5100 (parts of computers), which carries a 0% duty rate when imported into the U.S.

  • Despite this, UPS has in some cases assessed a duty because the SG10 contains aluminum and steel, which are subject to different tariff codes. This misclassification has resulted in duties being incorrectly applied.

  • When customers have disputed these charges, UPS has, in most cases, reduced the duty to between down to 0.

The UPS Delivery Issue to Be Aware Of

Despite being duty-free by classification, some U.S. customers have encountered issues where UPS has incorrectly charged import duty on SG10 deliveries. This appears to be due to staff confusion or misapplication of tariff codes relating to the aluminum content of the product.

Customers have successfully had these charges reduced or refunded after raising a dispute with UPS.

Why You Should Accept Delivery First (and Dispute Later)

If UPS insists on collecting import duty, we highly recommend you accept the delivery and pay the charge if necessary, then continue with the dispute afterward.

  • Open a dispute and do the payment, get the case, and go further with the dispute.

  • Risk of refusal: We had a case where a customer refused delivery while waiting for the dispute to resolve. UPS held the parcel during its standard holding period (about 5–7 business days, sometimes up to 7 calendar days).

  • What happened: Once the hold expired, UPS automatically returned the case to the Netherlands, incurring additional transportation costs, delays, and even damage to the product during return transit.

  • The lesson: Refusing delivery creates far more risk and cost than paying first and claiming a refund later. With documentation, UPS does refund or reduce these charges when challenged.

Steps to Take if You’re Asked to Pay Import Duty

  1. Stay Calm and Informed: First, double-check what the charge is for. UPS might call it a “government import fee,” “customs duty,” or “tariff charge.”

  2. Politely Challenge the Charge (If Possible): If you’re speaking to a UPS representative, explain that the SG10 is a computer component under HS Code 8473.30.5100 with a 0% duty rate.

    • UPS might insists on calculating based on the aluminum/steel content, which is not the correct approach to this product, however, if they insist, we will provide the appropriate support to proceed with their assessment. Customers have reported that this often lowers the duty to a reasonable value.

  3. Accept the Delivery (Pay, Then Dispute): If UPS still requires payment in order to release the package, go ahead and pay. Make sure to obtain a receipt or record of the amount you paid.

  4. Document Everything: Save any invoice, receipt, or notification that shows the duty/tariff charge. Note the tracking number and date of payment.

  5. Contact UPS to Dispute the Charge: Reach out to UPS billing support as soon as possible. Explain clearly that:
    “I was charged an import duty on a Streacom SG10 PC case, but this item should be classified under HS Code 8473.30.5100 (parts of computers), which carries a 0% duty rate.”
    Provide the tracking number, proof of payment, and HS Code.

  6. Request a Refund or Adjustment: UPS has previously lowered charges to between USD 78–110 or, in some cases, to USD 0. Ask for confirmation of your dispute or a case number for reference.

  7. Follow Up as Needed: If you don’t hear back within the promised timeframe, follow up until the refund or adjustment is processed.

  8. Notify Streacom Support (Optional but Encouraged): We encourage you to inform us if this issue occurred. While UPS will handle the refund, we can provide additional documentation to support your case and continue pressing UPS to prevent future errors.

Conclusion and Support

In summary, U.S. customers should not have to pay import duty for the Streacom SG10, since it is classified as a duty-free computer component under HS Code 8473.30.5100. However, UPS has sometimes misapplied duties based on the aluminum/steel content of the case.

If this happens:

  • Always accept delivery and pay first if needed (to avoid costly returns and risk of damage).

  • Open a dispute and continue with it afterward.

  • Emphasize the correct HS Code (8473.30.5100, duty-free) when speaking with UPS.

  • Keep documentation to ensure your refund or adjustment is processed.

Streacom is actively working to ensure UPS applies the correct duty classification. If you have any questions or if you need help with a dispute, please contact our support team. We’re here to make sure you receive your SG10 smoothly and without unnecessary costs.