US to End De Minimis Exemption Aug. 29
The ability to buy low-value goods from outside the U.S. and avoid duties will end Aug. 29. President Donald Trump signed an executive order effecting the change, but it hasn't been published yet.
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However, in a fact sheet, the administration said that low-value packages other than those in the U.S. mail will pay all applicable duties on and after that date.
For goods that are sent by international mail, importers will be able to pay either a set duty of $80 to $200 per item, depending on the country's tariff rate, or pay the specific duties owed. The alternative flat fee will be available only for six months.
The fact sheet said the president is "closing the catastrophic loophole used to, among other things, evade tariffs and funnel deadly synthetic opioids as well as other unsafe or below-market products that harm American workers and businesses into the United States."