Low-value imports are losing their long-held duty-free status in the United States this week, as part of President Donald Trump’s broader agenda to reduce reliance on foreign goods and reset global trade through tariffs.
An executive order signed last month eliminates the “de minimis” exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less, effective Friday—nearly two years ahead of the original deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill passed by Congress.
The decision marks a significant change for small businesses and online shoppers who frequently relied on the exemption to avoid customs clearance and import duties.
Previously, only items from China and Hong Kong were excluded from the de minimis rule. Now, all low-value parcels entering the U.S. will be subject to import taxes based on their origin country’s tariff rate, which can range between 10% and 50%.
For the next six months, carriers handling packages through the global mail network will have the option to apply a flat duty of $80 to $200 per shipment instead of the standard value-based rate.