Where Are Ella Walk-In Tubs Made, and What Is the Country of Origin for Customs?

Ella walk-in tub shells are manufactured in China and then assembled, jetted and water-tested to order at Ella's Bubbles in Chicago, Illinois, where every tub ships from. For customs purposes the country of origin declared on the shipping paperwork is China. Whether duty applies depends on where the tub is going and how each item is classified, and any duty, tax or brokerage at the destination is the buyer's responsibility.

Where the Tub Is Built

The acrylic shell is produced at Ella's partner factory overseas. The therapy system, pump, heater, controls, faucet and drains are installed in Chicago, and each tub is filled and tested before it leaves. That is why Ella describes its tubs as assembled and tested in Chicago rather than as made in the USA, and why the country of origin on customs paperwork is China. Ella tubs are not made in Canada, despite the occasional article that says otherwise. An overview of the lineup is in Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs: a general overview, and the build process is explained in what built to order means.

Paperwork for Your Customs Broker

1. Give your broker the invoice and packing list for the shipment, and tell them the country of origin is China with final assembly in the United States.
2. List every item in the shipment separately, since accessories such as shower screens are classified differently from the tub.
3. Ask for the specification sheet for your model if the broker needs shipping weight and crate dimensions. The spec sheets list both.

Ella confirms the origin information and provides the shipping documents. It does not set the duty rate. Your broker determines the tariff classification and any duty or surtax from the current customs schedule.

Duty When Shipping to Canada

Customs duty, taxes and brokerage are charged on the Canadian side and are the buyer's responsibility, as described in sales tax, customs and duties on your order. Brokers have reported that Canadian customs classifies Ella's glass and aluminum shower screens and bath screens with aluminum-framed shower doors, which carry their own duty, and that added surtax has at times been applied to aluminum items from China. Soaking tubs have also carried duty. Because tariff schedules change, confirm the current treatment with your broker shortly before the order ships rather than relying on an earlier check. Ella's tubs carry the certifications Canadian inspectors look for, listed in safety certifications on Ella tubs and faucets. Ordering steps for Canadian buyers are in ordering from Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.

Other International Destinations

For destinations outside the United States and Canada, the same origin rules apply: the shipment is declared as Chinese origin, assembled in the United States, and any customs fees, tariffs, storage or brokerage charges at the destination are paid by the buyer. Ella can supply the specification sheet, which lists shipping weight and crate dimensions, to help your freight forwarder prepare the entry.

Related Guides

• How Ella Tubs Are Built: Acrylic Shell, Fiberglass Reinforcement, and Stainless Frame
• Video Tour: How Your Tub Is Assembled, Tested, Packed and Shipped From Chicago
• What Are the Acrylic Shell and Stainless Steel Frame on a Walk-In Tub?

Related Videos

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.