Customs clearance delays

Important Shipping & Customs Update – November 2025

We want to keep you fully updated on the ongoing U.S. Customs clearance delays and some critical changes in our international shipping process.

🚫 Discontinuation of UPS for International Shipments

Due to ongoing and escalating issues with UPS, we will no longer be using UPS for any international shipments. Here’s why:

  • System Failures: UPS has repeatedly failed to accept uploaded customs documents correctly, leading to numerous packages being returned.

  • Lack of Communication: They are not notifying us when additional paperwork is required, nor are they giving any opportunity to resolve issues before returning shipments.

  • Unreliable Delivery: A high volume of parcels have been returned without warning, resulting in delays, lost time, and unnecessary costs.

🚨 Effective immediately, all international orders will now ship via FedEx, which has shown far more reliable customs processing and improved delivery timelines.

🇺🇸 U.S. Customs Clearance Delays Continue

As of August 29, 2025, U.S. Customs removed De Minimis clearance exemptions. This has changed how all international parcels are processed:

  • Longer Processing Times: Shipments are experiencing increased delays, including those sent before August 29.

  • Industry-Wide Impact: Every Canadian business shipping to the U.S. is facing similar issues. Unfortunately, we cannot expedite customs processing once parcels are submitted.

👉 What This Means for You

  • All orders are now shipped via FedEx, ensuring better communication and delivery success.

  • Some delays may still occur as customs adapts to the new documentation processes.

  • We recommend planning ahead and placing orders with extra lead time.

At First Element, we are:
✅ Shipping with complete, updated documentation
✅ Monitoring all shipments and clearance processes daily
✅ Communicating transparently as things evolve

We remain fiercely committed to delivering top-tier beard care and tattoo aftercare products that support your business — no matter the challenge.

Thank you for your continued trust and patience.

Extend your brand awareness by selling products with your brand and logo today!

We aim to be your one stop shop when it comes to the private label products as we’ll fully finish and pack the product for your end users. Meaning that we will label and pack your items and ship direct to your fulfillment center.

Private Label Beard Care

First Element’s Private Label Beard Care is the perfect opportunity to change the face of your business, literally!

Learn More Today!
Speakeasy Original Beard Oil and Beard Balm - Classy Bearded man holding a bourbon
Tattoo Aftercare Balm - Colourful Tattoo background - Attractive Tattooed girl with colourful hair and tattoo

Private Label Tattoo Aftercare

Own your own Tattoo Parlour and want to sell your own aftercare products? Earn more profits by selling your own brand.

Learn More Today

Private Label PROCESS: GETTING STARTED with First Element in 3 easy steps!

We know and understand that the process of starting a new brand can be daunting! That's why we have created an easy process and we will always do our best to accommodate any special requests you may have.

Whether you’re starting a new brand to sell on Amazon or a Barbershop looking to sell your own brand, First Element will help you get off the ground!

STEP 1 – Inquiry & Sampling

If you’re interested in starting your own brand, inquire today! Order samples and start testing our products today! We want you to be satisfied with our product!  

STEP 2 – Branding & Packaging

After you've tested the product, your next step is to decide on the branding and direction of your product line. Do you need assistance developing your brand? We can assist you in the label development. You may want to use our labelling structure and apply your logo to it, or we can assist with creating a new label. 

Inquire about Labelling and Graphic Design Services.

STEP 3 – Order & Production

Once you’re ready to begin your Private Label Brand, place your order via Purchase Order or direct email. We’ll confirm the order and begin manufacturing. All orders are made fresh upon order. General turnaround time for orders is 7-14 business days. Inquire for production deposit fees.

Frequently Ask Questions regarding Private Label.

Custom Formulations

Do you have your own specialty product or formulation? No worries, we'd be happy to work with you and use your formulation! We would sign a nondisclosure agreement to help protect your intellectual property. Click for more information.

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LABELS

You want your brand to stand out from the competition. Not only is a quality label important for selling your products, its also vital for communicating with the customer your company's image, values and increasing the perceived value of your brands products. A high-quality label can help set you apart from other brands.

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Packaging

We stock our own packaging for the Private Label items. All of our packaging is bought by pallets in order to give our clients the best pricing of the private label items. If you would like to use your own unique bottles, we’d be happy to work with you.

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PREMIUM

INGREDIENTS

All products are made using the best ingredients from certified suppliers. Not tested on Animals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS

Contact us today to get started with your Brand!