US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will now apply standard duty rates on all parcels, regardless of value. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s earlier move to suspend the exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong in May, later extended to all countries through an executive order signed on July 30. Officials confirmed that the change is permanent, although a six-month transition period will allow postal operators to pay a flat duty of $80–$200 per parcel depending on the country of origin.
The de minimis rule had for years enabled American consumers to purchase low-cost goods such as footwear, apparel, beauty products and household items directly from overseas sellers. Its removal is expected to increase prices and limit access to foreign goods, with experts noting that while the provision required reform, a full repeal could stifle trade flows and consumer choice.
The policy shift has already caused widespread disruption to postal networks. Postal services in more than 30 countries, including the UK’s Royal Mail, La Poste in France, Correos in Spain, India Post and Australia Post, have suspended or restricted parcel deliveries to the US, citing uncertainty over compliance requirements and the need to restructure logistics systems. While letters remain unaffected, only gifts valued under $100 and sent by individuals—not businesses—will continue to qualify for exemption.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)
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