On July 30, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order suspending the de minimis exemption for all commercial shipments globally, citing national security threats, economic harm to American manufacturers, and fentanyl trafficking risks.
This action builds on the May 2025 suspension of the de minimis exemption for China and Hong Kong, and will now apply worldwide starting August 29, 2025.
What Is De Minimis?
The de minimis exemption, established under Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, allows goods valued at $800 USD or less to enter the U.S. duty-free and without formal customs entry procedures.
What’s Changing?
Effective August 29, 2025, the U.S. will suspend the de minimis exemption for all commercial shipments, regardless of country of origin or carrier (courier/postal). This means:
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All imports will be subject to applicable duties and tariffs, including Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.
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Formal customs entry will be required for all commercial shipments, regardless of value.
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No carrier will be exempt — this includes postal services, express consignment, and cargo carriers.
Why the Change?
The White House cited three core justifications:
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Combatting the fentanyl crisis
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Exploitation of de minimis by traffickers has led to increased inflows of synthetic opioids.
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Closing this loophole is a targeted action against supply chain abuse.
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Protecting U.S. industry
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De minimis allows foreign sellers to ship directly to American consumers, undercutting U.S. retailers and manufacturers.
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The exemption has led to a surge in low-value goods from non-market economies, evading duties and safety regulations.
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Defending fair trade
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China’s dominance in e-commerce and manufacturing, paired with duty-free access under de minimis, has distorted the playing field.
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Ending the exemption strengthens U.S. trade enforcement and border integrity.
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Implications for Importers
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Small parcel shipments from all countries will now require formal entry procedures.
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Costs will increase due to loss of duty-free treatment and brokerage requirements.
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Supply chains relying on direct-to-consumer models — especially in apparel, electronics, and e-commerce — will be significantly impacted.
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No grandfathering: The suspension applies uniformly and globally as of the effective date.
Questions or Concerns?
Our compliance team is ready to help you assess and adapt to these changes. Contact us at clientsupportus@buckland.com