Written by The Banking Post
The United States has ended its tariff exemption for international parcels valued under $800, a move that will subject all imports—regardless of value—to standard customs duties.
The exemption officially expired at 12:01 a.m. Friday, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection now applying regular duty rates across the board. Goods valued at $800 or less, which previously qualified for the de minimis exemption, will no longer enjoy duty-free entry.
For shipments sent through the international postal system, parcels will be charged a flat duty ranging from $80 to $200 per item, depending on the country of origin.
The change builds on an earlier decision to revoke the de minimis exemption for Chinese imports. Officials confirmed the move is permanent, dismissing any chance of reinstating the waiver for trusted trade partners.
The policy shift has already triggered disruptions. The Universal Postal Union announced that 25 member countries have suspended postal shipments to the U.S., citing uncertainty over the new customs clearance rules.
