The de minimis import tax exemption enabled many small packages to enter the US duty-free and boosted home delivery and e-commerce. The US suspended exemptions for packages valued at $800 or less, closing a loophole that allowed over one billion packages in last year. The exemption ends this week with a six-month transition to a new tariff regime. More than 30 countries have suspended or partially suspended shipments to the US pending clarity on costs. DHL and postal unions seek specifics on duty collection and data transmission to US Customs and Border Protection. The White House outlined two tariff calculation options and set reciprocal rates for most partners.
The de minimis' import tax exemption helped fuel home delivery and the rise of e-commerce in the US. The US has suspended tariff exemptions for small delivery packages valued at $800 or less, ending a loophole that allowed more than one billion packages to enter the US last year without customs duties. The loophole is due to end on Friday in the US, followed by a six-month transition period to a new tariff regime.
More than 30 countries, including Australia, Germany, Japan and Mexico, have suspended or partially suspended package shipments to the US in advance of the cost change. Postal unions around the world say more clarity is needed about how the tariff will be calculated before they resume shipments to the US. Global logistics giant DHL said it would not ship standard business parcels to the US until unresolved questions are answered regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future,
A White House fact sheet released on July 30 stated that tariff rates on small packages will be calculated in one of two ways starting August 29. The first option sets a flat rate of $80 to $200 per item, depending on the country of origin. The second option is based on the value of the package and the reciprocal tariff rate set by the White House for individual countries.
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