End of Duty-Free De Minimis on Most Imports
Starting August 29, 2025, the U.S. government is officially ending the duty-free treatment for most low-value imports (those under $800) — a move that will significantly impact global e-commerce, drop shipping, and small parcel shipments.
Here’s what’s changing:
- No More De Minimis for Most Imports
- Starting August 29, 2025, the duty-free de minimis rule no longer applies to most shipments entering the U.S.
- This applies regardless of country, value, transportation method, or entry type.
- All non-postal shipments will now be subject to duties, taxes, and fees.
- Importers must now file formal entries in CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) — even for low-value shipments that were previously exempt.
What About Postal Shipments?
- Shipments sent through the international postal network (like USPS) are temporarily exempt from full duties.
- However, these postal shipments will still face new flat-rate or percentage-based duties (see below).
- This exemption lasts only until CBP creates a new entry process for postal shipments.
New Duty Rates for International Postal Packages
Postal carriers have two options for calculating duties:
1. Ad Valorem (Percentage-Based) Duty
A percentage will be applied based on the IEEPA tariff rate for the country of origin.
2. Flat-Rate Per Package (Available for 6 Months Only):
If the country of origin has:
<16% tariff rate → $80 per item
16–25% tariff rate → $160 per item
>25% tariff rate → $200 per item
After 6 months, all postal shipments must switch to the percentage-based duty method.
Additional Requirements
All postal packages must clearly declare the country of origin.
Products subject to antidumping duties, quotas, or trade enforcement must still follow full import rules through ACE.
What Businesses Should Do Now
If your company relies on international e-commerce or cross-border logistics:
- Prepare to pay duties on all low-value imports (excluding postal shipments — for now).
- Ensure your customs broker or logistics provider is ready to file formal entries for previously exempt shipments.
- Revisit your sourcing, pricing, and fulfillment strategies to reflect this new cost structure.
Trade Management Solutions (TMS) will continue to monitor further updates from CBP as new postal entry procedures are announced. TMS is here to support your supply chain transition.
Source: https://shorturl.at/RBJJS
Details
August 6, 2025
Trade Management Solutions
Name: Chelsea Wallace
Phone: 7377173260
Email: cwallace@tms-lp.com