CBP suspends duty-free treatment for low-value shipments not sent via mail

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is ending the de minimis exemption for most packages valued at $800 or less arriving in the United States by air, sea, land, or courier. This change applies to all countries and takes effect indefinitely. The only major exception remains shipments sent through the international postal network, which are being addressed in a separate concurrent rulemaking.

Why it matters: This action shifts the burden of compliance from a streamlined process to formal entry procedures for millions of small commercial shipments. It is designed to give CBP more visibility into what is entering the country via non-postal channels, particularly in response to concerns about fentanyl precursors and counterfeit goods. For consumers, it likely means longer clearance times and potential duties on previously duty-free online purchases from foreign retailers.

Who it affects

• Consumers who frequently order low-cost items directly from overseas websites using express couriers or freight services.

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This interim final rule was issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the Department of Homeland Security; readers should consult the full Federal Register document for specific regulatory text and effective dates before relying on this summary.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Source: Federal Register — read the official document