Delivery & Returns

Updated For - May 1st - December 31st 2025

 Welcome to Castle Dawn Aquatics! We’re committed to delivering your aquarium supplies safely and promptly. Please review the details below to understand our shipping options, delivery times, and return policies.


Shipping Information

 

Where We Ship

We ship worldwide, with special considerations and shipping times depending on your location.


Estimated Delivery Times by Region

Region Shipping Type Estimated Delivery Time
United States, Mexico & Canada Discount Shipping Heavy Goods 14–20 days
Heavy Goods Standard Shipping 10–14 days
Small Item Shipping 7–10 days
Standard Shipping 10–14 days
United Kingdom & Ireland Free Shipping 12–16 days
Heavy Goods Standard Shipping 7–12 days
Small Item Shipping 7–10 days
Standard Shipping 7–10 days
Australia & New Zealand Heavy Goods Standard Shipping Up to 50 days (due to strict customs)
Standard Shipping 25–45 days
South East Asia, Korea & Japan Discount Shipping Heavy Goods 10–14 days
Heavy Goods Standard Shipping 10–14 days
Small Item Shipping 5–10 days
Standard Shipping 5–10 days
South America Discount Shipping Heavy Goods 14–20 days (may be extended)
Heavy Goods Standard Shipping 14–20 days
Small Item Shipping 10–14 days
Standard Shipping 10–14 days

Important Shipping Notes

  • All shipping options (except free shipping) include a tracking number.

  • For urgent orders, we offer a super-fast shipping option with delivery anywhere in the world within 3 days. Contact us in advance for pricing and availability.

  • Important US Notice: Due to recent tariff and import law changes, all orders shipping to the United States require an additional 1-2 weeks. U.S. Customs has indicated significant delays and backlogs for packages shipped after November 19th 2024. This is still in effect as of June 2025.

  • Risk of loss and title pass to you once the package is delivered to the carrier.

Shipping & Delivery – U.S. Customers - 2025

We provide two shipping options for U.S. orders regarding tariffs and customs clearance:

1. Tariffs & Clearance Included
– No extra fees on delivery.
– We handle all tariffs, customs clearance, and related charges.
– You will not be required to pay anything additional when your order arrives.

2. Tariffs & Clearance Handled by You
– Tariff charges are applied on delivery.
– You are responsible for paying all customs duties and completing clearance yourself.
– ⚠️ Please note: U.S. customs may apply a flat rate of $250 per package instead of a percentage of the order value. Customers have reported being charged this amount on items valued as little as $3, due to not understanding the clearance process. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND SELECTING 'TARRIFS & CLEARANCE INCLUDED' AS YOUR SHIPPING OPTION.

⚠️ Important Notice
– Under U.S. law, failing to pay customs duties is considered tax fraud.
– Non-payment may affect your credit history.
– These charges and legal obligations are outside of our control.


Customs, Import Duties & Tariffs

You are solely responsible for ensuring that any products you purchase comply with your country’s import regulations and customs requirements. Castle Dawn Aquatics is not liable for any delays, losses, fees, charges or rejections caused by customs inspections or import restrictions. If your order is refused or held by customs, the responsibility for resolving the issue rests entirely with you, the customer.

  • You are fully responsible for any customs fees, import duties, tariffs, taxes, or other charges levied by your country’s customs authority.

  • Castle Dawn Aquatics is not liable for any customs delays, losses, fees, charges or rejections.

  • By purchasing from this website, you agree to these terms.


Returns & Exchanges

 

Return Policy

  • We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for most unused, unopened items.

  • Items must be returned in their original packaging for a full refund.

  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and will not be reimbursed.

  • We currently operate return depots in the USA and UK to simplify returns—no need to send items back to China.

 

Damaged or Faulty Items

  • If your item arrives damaged during shipping, notify us within 24 hours of receipt with photographic evidence.

  • We will arrange a replacement and cover return shipping costs for the damaged item.

  • Failure to report damages within the 24-hour window voids eligibility for replacement or refund.

 

Non-Returnable Items

  • Foods, medications, additives, live plants, used filters, perishables, and similar items are non-refundable unless damaged in transit.


Order Cancellations

 

  • Orders can only be cancelled if they have not yet been dispatched.

  • Orders already in transit cannot be cancelled, but may be returned following the Returns Policy.


Questions?

 

For any shipping or returns inquiries, please contact us at support@castledawnaquatics.com. We’re here to help!