End of De Minimis: What Brands Should Do
What happened to the U.S. de minimis exemption, what it means for ecommerce brands and options to reduce the impact.
Key takeaways
- De minimis has been suspended since 2025; CBP made the non-postal suspension indefinite on June 24, 2026.
- Low-value parcels now need customs entries and duties by classification and origin.
- Bulk import plus domestic fulfillment reduces per-parcel exposure.
- Confirm current rules with a customs broker.
On this page
De minimis let U.S. importers bring in goods worth $800 or less per person per day without paying duties and with minimal paperwork. For ecommerce brands shipping parcels from abroad, that rule is suspended and, under a separate law, scheduled to end for good. This article sets out where things stood in October 2026, what it means for an online brand and what to prepare. Customs rules change quickly, so confirm details with a licensed customs broker before you act.
Timeline: how we got here
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2025 | De minimis ended for low-value packages from China and Hong Kong |
| August 29, 2025 | Suspension for shipments from all countries, under Executive Order 14324 |
| February 20, 2026 | Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources v. Trump that IEEPA does not authorize additional tariffs; the ruling did not address the de minimis suspension |
| June 24, 2026 | CBP issued an interim final rule suspending de minimis indefinitely for all modes except the international postal network, citing its own statutory authority (Federal Register) |
| October 8, 2026 | CBP proposed new rules for low-value shipments, with comments due December 7, 2026 (Federal Register) |
| July 1, 2027 | Date on which a federal law terminates the de minimis exemption, as cited by CBP |
What this means for an ecommerce brand
- Parcels that used to arrive duty-free now need a customs entry and are subject to duties and taxes where they apply.
- The simplified release process that relied on de minimis is no longer available for these shipments, and more data is required.
- Duty depends on the product classification, the country of origin and the tariffs in force for that combination. Rates have changed several times, so avoid relying on a single headline rate.
- Per-parcel shipping from abroad becomes harder to price and slower to clear.
The two import models compared
| Parcels shipped from abroad | Bulk import, domestic fulfillment | |
|---|---|---|
| Customs entry | Many small entries | One entry per container or air shipment |
| Duty and taxes | Paid per parcel, often by the buyer or carrier | Paid once on the goods, built into landed cost |
| Delivery time | Long and uncertain | Short from a U.S. warehouse |
| Returns | Often impractical | Handled in the U.S. |
| Price control | Surprise fees at delivery | Duties known before listing |
What to do
- Classify productsGet the correct tariff code for each SKU.
- Confirm originKnow where each item is made.
- Choose an entry modelBulk import or per-parcel, with a broker.
- Update landed costInclude duties, freight and fees.
- Update the promiseDelivery times and return rules.
Questions to ask your customs broker
- Which entry type fits my shipments and values?
- Which tariffs apply to my product and origin today?
- Do I need my own bond, or can the broker’s cover me?
- How would the proposed 2026 rules change my filing?
- Who is importer of record for goods shipped to my U.S. warehouse?
How a U.S. warehouse helps
Bringing stock in bulk and fulfilling orders from a U.S. warehouse turns many small customs problems into one planned import. We are located near the Port of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. See our Sea freight and customs service, and read ecommerce logistics and fulfillment costs to include these costs in your pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What was the de minimis exemption?
A U.S. rule that allowed duty-free entry of merchandise valued at $800 or less imported by one person on one day.
Is de minimis suspended now?
Yes. CBP suspended it indefinitely for all modes except the international postal network in a rule effective June 24, 2026, and postal shipments are covered by a separate rulemaking.
Did the Supreme Court end the suspension?
No. The February 2026 ruling concerned tariffs under IEEPA. CBP states that its regulatory suspension rests on its own statutory authority.
When does de minimis end permanently?
CBP cites July 1, 2027 as the date a federal law terminates the exemption.
Do I still pay duties on low-value imports?
Goods that would have been de minimis need a proper entry, and duties apply according to classification and origin. Check current rates with a broker.
How can I reduce the impact?
Import in bulk, fulfill from a U.S. warehouse and build duties into landed cost.
Anton Kashirin
Anton founded EcomAutomation, the company behind EcomAutoPrep. He works with Amazon FBA sellers and DTC brands on receiving, prep, kitting and shipping, and reviews the guides on this blog against how orders move through the warehouse.
