US Imports 2025: End of the De Minimis Exemption – Everything You Need to Know

From August 29, 2025: Customs duties and taxes will also apply to commercial imports ≤ USD 800

A significant change to US customs regulations will take effect on August 29, 2025: the de minimis exemption for US imports will be abolished. For all companies shipping goods to the US – regardless of size or industry – this means that from this date onward, even low-value shipments will no longer be automatically duty-free. Previously, goods valued at up to $800 could be imported into the US duty-free. This duty-free threshold, known as the de minimis limit, simplified shipping to the US, as shipments below this value were exempt from customs duties and could be imported without extensive formalities.

The de minimis rule does not apply to commercial shipments – e.g., via DHL Express, UPS, FedEx, or DB Schenker. These shipments must always be declared with a customs tariff number (HS code), which incurs customs duties and import VAT.

Only certain personal items remain exempt: American travelers may still bring goods up to $200 duty-free, and gifts up to $100 remain duty-free. However, these items affect not commercial shipping.

Ultimately, the de minimis exemption is being abolished for all countries and shipping methods, meaning that every commercial shipment is now fully subject to US customs regulations.

The days when smaller packages could bypass customs are over—now even a $20 package goes through official customs clearance. This can lead to longer delivery times and requires more resources in shipping management to avoid delays and problems at the border. US authorities have also tightened enforcement: Violations of the new customs regulations can now be punished with hefty fines ($5.000 for the first violation, $10.000 for each subsequent one).

This change has significant consequences for exporters and online retailers. First, shipping costs to the US will increase: goods that previously fell below the $800 duty-free threshold will now be subject to regular US customs duties and potentially other import taxes. This increases the so-called landed cost – the total cost including customs duties and taxes in the US – and can ultimately drive up final prices for customers considerably. At the same time, the effort required for customs clearance will increase: every shipment will now have to be declared with complete customs documentation, including a correct declaration of the goods' value, contents, and origin.

The days when smaller packages could bypass customs are over—now even a $20 package goes through official customs clearance. This can lead to longer delivery times and requires more resources in shipping management to avoid delays and problems at the border. US authorities have also tightened enforcement: Violations of the new customs regulations can now be punished with hefty fines ($5.000 for the first violation, $10.000 for each subsequent one).

Early preparation for these changes is crucial. Companies should review their pricing now and communicate transparently with their customers. Many exporters are also considering adapting their logistics strategy – for example, by using local warehouses or fulfillment centers in the USA – to avoid having to import each individual order separately.

Early preparation for these changes is crucial. Companies should review their pricing now and adjust it as needed – for example, to incorporate the newly incurred customs duties into the sales price or shipping fees. It is also advisable to inform customers transparently: Since customs duties and taxes now apply in the US, delivery times may be extended, or additional costs may arise upon delivery if these have not been paid in advance. Many exporters are also considering adapting their logistics strategy.

It can therefore be advantageous to increasingly source goods via local warehouses or fulfillment centers in the USA to avoid direct import for each individual order. Such an approach – shipping large quantities to the USA with a single customs clearance followed by domestic delivery – can mitigate the effects of the new customs regulations and keep delivery times short for customers.

Furthermore, available tools for customs and tax calculation should be used to accurately determine the expected duties for each shipment.

Those who plan ahead and adapt their shipping processes will remain competitive even after the de minimis threshold is abolished and can avoid surprises at customs.

How we support you

We at worldwide shipping help you to efficiently master the new requirements.

• We automatically create all customs documents and declarations for you.

• We calculate the exact customs duties and taxes for your shipments in advance.

• We work closely with parcel services and customs authorities to ensure your parcels cross the border smoothly.

• We offer both postal shipping with transitional arrangements and commercial shipping options with customs tariff numbers.

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With our support, you will remain competitive and be able to reliably deliver to the USA even after August 2025, despite the new customs regulations.