The de minimis exemption allowed shipments valued under $800 to clear U.S. Customs duty and tax free, with minimal paperwork. The exemption previously allowed the importation of cheap goods, benefiting American buyers seeking affordable products.
On August 29, 2025 the U.S. government eliminated the de minimis threshold for all countries. That means every shipment — regardless of value or origin — will now go through formal or informal customs entry and be assessed import duties, taxes, and fees.
This will have a significant impact not only domestically but around the world, especially for America’s status as a primary market for global imports. The impact will reach far beyond the U.S., affecting buyers in America and other countries and the way global e-commerce operates.
- Sept. 8, 2025 DHL post: The End of the U.S. De Minimis Rule: What Your Business Needs to Know
- Executive Order: Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment For All Countries