On August 29, 2025, the previous application of the so-called de minimis rule (Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930), under which shipments of goods valued at up to $800 could be imported duty- and tax-free, was suspended by presidential order.
What has been decided?
As of now, even small shipments valued at less than $800 are generally subject to U.S. customs and import regulations and must be declared, cleared through customs, and, if applicable, subject to taxes.
In this context, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced new reporting and clearance requirements and published supplementary guidelines for international mail shipments.
Temporary simplified duty models apply to goods shipped to the United States via the international postal system: either an ad valorem duty rate equal to the applicable effective tariff rate or—for a limited time—a flat-rate duty of between $80 and $200, depending on the origin of the shipment.
Individuals can still declare shipped goods valued at less than $100 as gift shipments—these are exempt from the rule. For other goods and business shipments, higher costs and more complex shipping processes are now to be expected. Alternative express services continue to offer shipping options to the U.S., but mostly at higher prices.
For commercial shipments—such as those sent via DHL Express, UPS, FedEx, or DB Schenker—the de minimis rule does not apply. These shipments must always be declared using a customs tariff code (HS code), which results in the assessment of customs duties and import sales tax.
Impact on Importers and Exporters
The days when smaller packages could bypass customs are over—effective immediately, even a $20 package must go through the official customs clearance process. This can lead to longer delivery times and requires more resources in shipping management to avoid delays and issues at the border. U.S. authorities have also tightened enforcement: violations of the new customs regulations can now be punished with heavy fines ($5,000 for the first violation, $10,000 for each subsequent one).
This change has significant consequences for exporters and online retailers. First, shipping costs to the U.S. are rising: goods that previously fell below the $800 duty-free threshold are now subject to regular U.S. customs duties and, where applicable, additional import taxes. This increases the so-called landed cost—that is, the total cost including customs duties and taxes in the U.S.—and may ultimately drive up final prices for customers. At the same time, the effort required for customs clearance is increasing: In the future, every shipment must be declared with complete customs documents, including accurate declarations of the value, contents, and origin of the goods.
Avoid fines – adjust your shipping processes now
Preparing for these changes early on is crucial. Companies should review their pricing now and provide customers with transparent information. Many exporters are also considering adjusting their logistics strategy—for example, by using local warehouses or fulfillment centers in the U.S. to avoid having to import each individual order separately.
Early preparation for these changes is important. Companies should review their pricing now and adjust it if necessary—for example, to factor in the new customs costs in the sales price or shipping fees. It is also advisable to provide customers with transparent information: Since customs duties and taxes are now incurred in the U.S., delivery times may be slightly extended, or additional delivery costs may arise if these have not been paid in advance. Many exporters are also considering adjusting their logistics strategy.
It may therefore make sense to increasingly source goods through local warehouses or fulfillment centers in the U.S. to avoid direct importation for each individual order. By adopting this approach—that is, shipping large quantities to the U.S. with a single customs clearance followed by domestic delivery—businesses can circumvent the impact of the new customs regulations and keep delivery times short for customers.
Businesses that plan ahead and adapt their shipping processes will remain competitive even after the de minimis threshold is eliminated and can avoid surprises at customs.
What support can SSfeshipping offer you?
At SSfeshipping, we help you efficiently navigate the new requirements.
- We automatically generate all customs documents and declarations for you.
- We calculate the exact customs duties and taxes for your shipments in advance.
- We work closely with Carrier and customs authorities to ensure your goods cross the border smoothly.
- We offer both sea shipping under transitional arrangements and commercial shipping options with customs tariff codes.
Get started with your US shipments right away—fast, secure, and compliant.
With our support, you’ll remain competitive even after August 2025 despite the new customs regulations and can reliably ship to the US.
FAQ's
Which countries are affected by the de minimis elimination?
The elimination applies globally to all countries importing into the U.S. China and Hong Kong lost de minimis privileges on May 2, 2025, while all other countries are affected starting August 29, 2025. The change covers all commercial shipments regardless of origin, transportation method, or shipment value.
