Low Value Exemption Rescinded for Goods of China and Hong Kong Origin
On April 2, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order lifting the suspension on the elimination of the duty-free de minimis treatment of goods from China and Hong Kong valued not more than USD 800.
The original order for duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) revoked the eligibility for shipments to be released duty-free under the low value exemption, but then President Trump paused the revocation while processes could be established to support collection of the duties. A unique duty assessment is assigned to shipments sent through the international mail service.
Effective Date
May 2, 2025
Shipments – Non-Postal Service
A party qualified to make entry must do so under the appropriate entry type and pay the associated duties.
Informal entry limit is $250 under CBP regulations 19 CFR 143.21, which creates this limit if the merchandise is subject to HTSUS Chapter 99, Subchapters III and IV. The Section 301 and IEEPA duties are in Subchapter III.
Shipments – Postal Service
Transportation carriers handling mail have two options to collect and remit duties to CBP. They must apply the same methodology to all shipments but may change their methodology upon notice to CBP.
- Assess 30% on the value of the postal item; or
- Assess $25 per postal item from 5/2/25 – 5/31/25 and starting 6/1/25 assess $50 per
postal item.