The End of De Minimis – What It Means for Small Imports to the U.S.

For years, small importers and online shoppers in the United States enjoyed a major advantage called the de minimis rule. This rule allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. It was a key driver of cross-border e-commerce, making it easy for individuals and small businesses to buy products from overseas without worrying about customs fees.

However, in 2025, the Trump administration introduced new tariffs and eliminated the de minimis exemption. This change is shaking up the way international trade works—especially for small businesses like ourselves. 

What Has Changed?

• Before: Imports worth $800 or less could enter the U.S. without duties or tariffs.

• Now: Almost all imports are subject to duties, even small packages.

• Standard Fee: Reports suggest that duties are either a flat rate (around $80–200) or 10–15% of the item’s value, depending on the product and country of origin.

• Result: Even a small purchase, like a handmade item or a kitchen tool under $100, may now require an extra customs payment at delivery.