For years, many low-value shipments entering the United States qualified for duty-free treatment under the de minimis exemption.
That landscape has changed.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection began enforcing the worldwide suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment on August 29, 2025. Covered imported goods valued at $800 or less are now generally subject to applicable duties, taxes, fees, and entry requirements. citeturn440054search0turn440054search23
For businesses that rely on frequent low-value international shipments, this can affect both cost and the way shipments need to be processed.
What Importers Should Consider
The change makes it increasingly important to evaluate:
- Customs entry requirements
- Product classification
- Applicable duties and tariffs
- Broker and processing costs
- Shipping method
- Consolidation opportunities
- Total landed cost per shipment
Companies that previously shipped individual orders directly from overseas suppliers may also want to evaluate whether importing larger quantities into a U.S. warehouse and fulfilling domestically makes more sense.
A Logistics Strategy, Not Just a Shipping Decision
Changes to de minimis treatment can affect transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, inventory management, and fulfillment.
Brownstone International can help businesses evaluate these moving pieces and develop a logistics solution that makes sense for their operation.
[Discuss Your Import Strategy]
