Last year, whopping 1.3 billion e-commerce packages were shipped from around the world to the US under “de minimis” exemption.
I.e., they were worth less than $800.
That privilege ended on Aug 29.
American small businesses & consumers alike are going to suffer.#MAGA pic.twitter.com/nAmxR3uV8m
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) August 30, 2025
“The de minimis rule, which had allowed low-value shipments under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, has been suspended globally as of August 29, 2025. This change means most international e-commerce purchases will now be subject to customs duties, increasing costs for consumers and businesses. The Trump administration cited national security, economic fairness, and combating the flow of illicit materials like fentanyl as reasons for ending the exemption, which was seen as a “catastrophic loophole””
Why the Rule Ended:
National Security Concerns:
The administration argued that the de minimis rule provided an easy pathway for illicit materials, such as fentanyl and other opioids, to enter the U.S.
Economic Fairness:
The rule was criticized for creating an unfair playing field by allowing foreign companies to ship directly to consumers without paying the same duties and facing the same scrutiny as domestic retailers.
Combating Unsafe Products:
The government stated the exemption was exploited to ship unsafe or counterfeit goods that harm American consumers and businesses
Exceptions Remaining:
The exemption for bona fide gifts valued at $100 or less remains in place.
U.S. travelers can still bring back personal items valued up to $200 duty-free.
-AI
https://www.ntd.com/de-minimis-ends-what-it-means-for-us-shoppers_1087944.html
h/t JustmeTX
