Duty-free treatment for low-value imports into the United States has been suspended. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published new low-value shipment rules on 24 June 2026. Rules in this area change quickly, so check the CBP page.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Customs, Duties and Import Taxes When You Buy from Abroad.

What CBP says

  • Following a presidential order, duty-free "de minimis" treatment was suspended for all countries from 29 August 2025. The suspension is indefinite for imports valued at $800 or less.
  • The aim is to apply the same standards to international mail as to other shipments. Mail importers must supply more detailed data, and CBP is testing an electronic entry process for mail.

Exemptions

  • Genuine gifts valued at $100 or less ($200 if sent from the Virgin Islands, Guam or American Samoa).
  • Certain personal or household articles that travelers bring with them.

What shoppers should expect

The page says low-value purchases may be subject to duties, and points to CBP's e-commerce page for FAQs. We do not state duty rates here because they depend on the goods and origin.

Checklist

Before ordering from abroad, check the listing for duties and taxes included or not, and the seller's returns policy for cross-border orders. See our international shipping and customs guide and buying electronics from abroad.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: US CBP, CBP modernizes low-value shipment processing.