De minimis is suspended: small parcels to the US need an entry
Executive Order 14324 (30 July 2025) suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries from 29 August 2025. EO 14388 (20 February 2026) continued that suspension, and statute terminates the exemption on 1 July 2027.
Also searched as: Section 301 exclusions, Section 232 derivatives, de minimis suspension, HTSUS classification, landed cost
Rates and dates are those stated in the linked sources. Confirm the version in force on your entry date with your broker before you commit to a price.
The four questions
Q1–Q4What happened
CBP's implementation notice (90 FR, 2 September 2025, FR Doc 2025-16802) ended the duty-free exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for covered goods valued at 800 USD or less, regardless of origin or transport mode. Parcels outside the international postal network need a formal or informal entry in ACE, with duties paid. CBP issued a proposed rule on low-value shipments on 8 October 2026 covering a new postal informal entry process.
When it takes effect
The suspension has applied since 12:01 a.m. Eastern on 29 August 2025. The statutory termination of the de minimis exemption is set for 1 July 2027. The October 2026 postal rule is a proposal, not a final rule, so its text can change.
Who it touches
Sellers shipping single units straight to a US consumer. Wholesale container orders were never de minimis, but samples, replacement parts and mixed small parcels often travelled under it. If you ask us to send a sample to a US address, this is the rule that decides how it clears.
What to do
Do not budget a sample shipment at zero duty. Tell us the delivery address and who the importer of record will be, and we will put the entry type and duty payer on the sample note. Consolidate samples with a scheduled order where the timing allows; one entry costs less than four.
Rules change. Check the source notices linked above for anything issued after the publication date.
Need a price against the current rate?
Send the part number, HTSUS code and destination port and we will quote against the rate in force that day.