U.S. De Minimis Changes Are Coming — Here’s What You Need to Know
Right now, the U.S. allows individual shipments under USD $800 to enter duty-free with minimal customs checks — this is known as the de minimis threshold. It’s been a key mechanism supporting low-value e-commerce flows into the U.S. from all over the world.
But big changes are now confirmed, and they’ll affect a huge portion of small parcel trade.
But big changes are now confirmed, and they’ll affect a huge portion of small parcel trade.
What’s Changing and When?
From 2 May 2025, goods shipped from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will no longer qualify for the de minimis exemption. This means any shipments from these locations — regardless of value — will be subject to standard customs duties and processes. [Source: USTR Announcement, March 2024]
Later in 2025, likely around July or August, we could see a complete overhaul of de minimis when U.S. Customs and Border Protection finalizes new rules for low-value shipments. While final details are still to be released, early drafts suggest the entire threshold may be removed or significantly restricted. [Source: U.S. Federal Register, Proposed Rulemaking]
Action Already Taken in Hong Kong
In response to the upcoming U.S. de minimis changes, Hongkong Post has already implemented measures that affect outbound parcels to the United States:
· The postal service has stated it will not collect U.S. tariffs on behalf of Washington, which led to immediate adjustments to its service offerings. [Source: Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Press Release, 10 April 2025 – news.gov.hk]
· As a result, all non-airmail (surface mail) parcels containing goods were suspended as of 16 April 2025, since surface delivery takes longer and would likely result in shipments arriving after the 2 May enforcement date. [Source: South China Morning Post, 10 April 2025 – "Hongkong Post stops accepting US-bound surface parcels amid tariff war"]
· Airmail parcels will continue to be accepted until 27 April 2025, after which all outbound shipments containing goods to the U.S. will be suspended. [Source: Associated Press (AP), 10 April 2025 – “Hong Kong halts small-parcel shipments to U.S. ahead of new tariffs”]
After 27 April, only mail containing documents (not goods) will be accepted for delivery to the United States. [SCMP & HK Gov Press Release, April 2025]
What This Means for You
If your business relies on low-value shipments to the U.S. from Hong Kong, China, or Macau — whether direct-to-consumer or through third-party sellers — these changes will have real impact.
You should be:
· Reviewing your fulfilment timelines and shipping channels
· Preparing for potential increases in landed costs
· Exploring alternative supply chain routes or consolidation strategies
This is part of a much broader shift in how cross-border e-commerce is being regulated — especially around enforcement, trade fairness, and domestic competitiveness.