Non-Traditional Mini Parts Suppliers, Tariffs, and Surprises.

[94touring]

In the shipping description section. Though whatever is in the full description that counters this should be addressed.   I emailed asking for clarification.

[MiniDave]

Bruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.

[94touring]

Bruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.

It's 10% coming from the UK. They add in shipping to that number.  If it cost $50 and shipping was $50, you owe $10 in tarrifs. 

[BruceK]

Bruce, if I don't get something from DHL within another week, I will do the dispute thing. I've never done that so I don't know how to go about it for only a partial refund, since I did get the m/c. And I don't know how much to dispute since there would be some kind of a tariff due on it.

Dave, as Dan points out above the calculation is pretty simple and you can determine it yourself. Or... at least get pretty close to what it should have been.

Alternatively, you could put your customs query - with all the details like a good old "word problem" from math class - into an AI like ChatGPT or Grok or one of the other ones and get a detailed calculation back. But I doubt your credit card company will require you to show them any of your homework calculations. If they're like mine (Citi Visa) they just wanted to know what I claimed the charge should have been versus what the vendor charged me. Then they promptly credited me the difference and very clearly said the matter was closed.  Whether or not they went back to UPS or anything else I have no idea, but they had no interest in seeing my calculations or hearing what UPS told me. Basically they did not want to get into an arbitration process between me and the vendor, they just wanted the matter over with.

[BruceK]

Off on a tangent regarding DOT markings on tires...

I did a little research with an AI on one of the tire models shown on eBay (from Japan) for Minis which Dan previously linked. 

Here is more than you ever want to know:
 

"Overview of DOT Stamps on Tires
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a Tire Identification Number (TIN)—starting with "DOT"—to be stamped on one sidewall of every tire manufactured for sale or use on public roads in the U.S. since 1971. This code includes the plant code, tire size, optional manufacturer specifics, and a four-digit date code (e.g., "4525" for week 45 of 2025). However, DOT stamping is a global standard for compliant tires, even those produced outside the U.S. for export or international markets, as it ensures traceability and safety certification under FMVSS No. 109/139. Tires without a DOT stamp are typically not legal for highway use in the U.S. and may face import restrictions.

Research on Dunlop Le Mans BB490 Tires
The Dunlop Le Mans BB490 is a summer tire model primarily produced by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) in Japan under the Dunlop brand (SRI holds the Dunlop license in Asia). It's commonly sized for kei cars and minis (e.g., 165/60R12), with a focus on low noise, lightweight design, and wet grip.

These tires are often marketed in Japan (JDM) but are frequently imported to the U.S. via e-commerce for vehicles like Mini Coopers or Suzuki Altos.

To determine if Japan-made BB490s have a DOT stamp, I conducted targeted searches across web results, eBay listings (common import source), tire databases, and forums. Key findings:
•  Evidence of DOT Presence:
    •  Multiple eBay listings for new BB490 tires shipped from Japan explicitly reference a DOT number, noting it "varies depending on the product" and is "within two years of manufacture." One listing clarifies: "Please note that in some cases the DOT cannot be confirmed because the tires are delivered directly from the manufacturer." This implies the tires bear a DOT stamp, but sellers can't always specify the exact code pre-shipment due to direct factory sourcing.

No listings warn of missing DOT or non-compliance for U.S. imports.
    •  Sumitomo's Japanese plants (e.g., Izumiotsu, Kodaira) use DOT plant codes like "1VW" (Izumiotsu) or "UT" (Tonami) for Dunlop tires exported globally, including to the U.S. A 2025 recall of Sumitomo-made Dunlop motorcycle tires cited DOT codes from these plants, confirming standard stamping.

General Dunlop tire guides state all modern Dunlop tires (post-2000) include the DOT TIN on the lower sidewall, with the date code adjacent.
    •  Tire databases and decoders (e.g., NHTSA-linked lists) assign Sumitomo/Dunlop Japan codes (e.g., "A" for Kyoto Japan Tire Corp., "1R" variants for SRI facilities), and examples of similar Dunlop models (e.g., SP Winter Sport 3D, made in Japan) show full DOT codes like "U28KEM1R4508."
•  Import and Compliance Context:
    •  BB490 tires are routinely imported to the U.S. via platforms like eBay and Croooober, with no reported CBP holds for missing DOT. U.S. import rules require DOT certification for tires (via manufacturer letter or sidewall stamp), and JDM tires like these must comply if sold for highway use. Forums (e.g., PakWheels, Reddit's r/tires) discuss BB490 performance but don't flag DOT issues—users treat them as standard imports.
    •  No results indicated these are "JDM-only" without DOT; instead, listings emphasize "100% genuine" Japan-made products suitable for U.S. shipping. If DOT were absent, sellers would likely note it to avoid returns, as non-DOT tires can't be registered or used legally.
•  Potential Variations:
    •  Older BB490s (pre-2000) might use a three-digit date code, but current production (2015–2025 listings) follows the four-digit standard.
    •  Sidewall photos are scarce in listings (eBay images focus on tread), but general Dunlop sidewall guides show the DOT near the maximum load/flation specs. No visual evidence of missing stamps was found.
Conclusion
Yes, Dunlop Le Mans BB490 automobile tires made in Japan have a DOT stamp. This is standard for Sumitomo/Dunlop production to meet global safety norms and facilitate U.S. imports. While exact codes vary by batch (e.g., plant-specific like "1VW"), the presence is consistent across sources. For a specific tire, check the lower sidewall for "DOT" followed by 12–13 characters. If importing, verify via the seller or NHTSA's DOT decoder for compliance.
Confidence: 95% (based on consistent references in sales data and plant code lists; minor uncertainty from lack of public sidewall photos for this exact model, but no contradictory evidence)."

[94touring]

Some of those tires are what minispares sell too. A032R are specifically DOT tires which I run because of the soft compound. I bought 8 of them a few years ago right before prices went nuts on them. I don't put enough miles on my mini to need another set anytime soon.