US: "Permanent End to De Minimis Exemption for Low-Value Parcels... No Exceptions for Any Country"

No Exceptions to De Minimis Exemption
Trump Administration Declares Permanent End to Low-Value Parcel Duty Waiver
All Countries to Face Customs Duties on Parcels Under $800 Starting May 29

The Donald Trump administration in the United States has announced that the abolition of the "de minimis exemption" for low-value parcels is permanent and that no exceptions will be made for any country.

Yonhap News Agency

During a briefing on the 28th (local time), a high-ranking official from the Trump administration was asked whether this policy could be changed in the future and responded, "This is a permanent change. The de minimis exemption is one of the most foolish things this country has ever done."

Previously, the United States had a policy under which individuals could import goods valued at up to $800 per day without paying customs duties. However, there has been growing concern that countries such as China have been abusing this system to circumvent U.S. tariffs or to smuggle prohibited items such as drugs, leading to calls for reform.

President Trump suspended the de minimis exemption for low-value parcels shipped from China and Hong Kong starting May 2, and this measure will be applied to all countries beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the 29th. When asked whether any country could be granted an exception to the de minimis exemption, the senior official stated, "No country in the world will receive any exceptions," adding, "If you grant an exception to one country, the only effect will be to make that country a major transshipment point for low-value parcels." This means that other countries could reroute exports through countries that receive de minimis benefits in order to avoid tariffs.

As a result, from now on, low-value parcels valued at $800 or less will also be subject to customs duties according to the rate applied to the country of origin. However, during a six-month grace period, senders may choose to pay a flat customs fee of $80 to $200 per parcel instead of a value-based duty.