GlossaryCustoms and trade
De minimis
A value threshold below which imports enter with no duty or simplified clearance; duty-free U.S. de minimis is suspended since August 29, 2025.
De minimis is the value threshold below which a country lets imported goods enter without duties and taxes, or with simplified customs processing. Each country sets its own threshold and rules, and many have narrowed or removed them as cross-border ecommerce has grown.
In the United States, Section 321 historically allowed low-value shipments to enter duty-free with minimal paperwork. Duty-free de minimis treatment was suspended for shipments from all countries starting August 29, 2025, and the suspension remains in effect. Low-value parcels entering the U.S. are now subject to applicable duties and require proper entry.
For sellers shipping into the U.S., that means every parcel needs an accurate product description, HTS classification, country of origin and value, and the landed cost has to account for duty even on small orders.
Learn more in our Cross-border shipping articles.
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