Source: Supply Chain Dive
Date: 30th July 2025

Low-cost goods will be subject to full duties, with special assessment for postal packages, as the government aims to close tariff loopholes.

The White House has announced that the de minimis exemption, which currently allows imports valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without duties or taxes, will end on August 29.

This policy shift is set to impact direct-to-consumer imports, subjecting low-value shipments to all relevant duties and tariffs that have been implemented by the current administration.

However, goods entering via the international postal network will be temporarily assessed under a separate fee structure, either based on product value or a fixed amount per item, depending on the country of origin and applicable tariff rates.

This move is designed to strengthen trade enforcement and address concerns over products that evade tariffs or pose health and safety risks.

According to government data, the vast majority of cargo seizures in 2024 originated from shipments utilizing the de minimis provision. The administration argues that tightening this policy will help prevent unsafe or underpriced goods from entering the U.S. market, especially given that packages previously entering under the exemption faced less scrutiny.

Some limited exemptions will remain: U.S. residents can still bring back up to $200 in goods duty-free when traveling, and genuine gifts up to $100 are still allowed.

The new timeline accelerates the removal of the exemption, which was previously set to end in 2027, reflecting an ongoing strategy to ensure all imports, regardless of value, are properly taxed and monitored.