As of August 29, 2025, the United States officially ended a longstanding customs rule known as the “de minimis” exemption. Previously, this rule allowed shipments valued at USD 800 or less to enter duty-free. Without the exemption, small purchases from international sellers are now subject to new duties and fees.
Here are the key impacts and what buyers should be aware of:
- Many orders from foreign online stores are being canceled or delayed as retailers and postal services adjust to the new requirement that import duties must now be collected, and shipping carriers must comply with new customs procedures.
- Depending on the origin country and the applicable tariff rate, parcels may now incur an ad valorem tax (percentage based on value) or a fixed fee per package. Some carriers are using flat fees in the short term while systems are put in place.
- Small businesses, especially those using platforms like Etsy or Shopify, face the most disruption. They often relied heavily on the exemption to keep products affordable and shipping simple. Buyers may see significantly higher prices, shipping costs, or decide not to offer products to U.S. customers at all.
- Global postal services and courier companies in many countries have temporarily suspended certain shipment categories heading into the U.S., awaiting clear guidance on who is responsible for duties, how to collect them, and how to handle customs declarations.
For consumers shopping internationally, this means more caution is required. Always check whether the seller or carrier will handle customs and duties, get clarity on total cost before purchase, and expect potential delays.
