Overview

• The de minimis exemption ended at 12:01 a.m. ET on August 29, making most low‑value imports entering the United States subject to customs duties.
• Only private gifts received in good faith valued under $100 remain exempt from the new charges.
• Duty rates generally start at a minimum of 10%, rise to about 15% for European Union origin parcels, and reach up to 50% for shipments from India and Brazil.
• The Universal Postal Union says 25 countries have suspended standard shipments to the U.S., citing uncertainty over required pre‑collection and remittance of duties by carriers, with operators in Germany, France, Italy, India, Japan, Australia and Mexico among those pausing service.
• CBP reports that small parcels accounted for 98% of narcotics, 97% of counterfeits and 70% of hazardous health products seized in 2024, while small businesses warn the added costs could threaten their viability.