Rates last synced 2026-11-03 · HTS Revision 22 (2026) · Etsy, carrier and CBP fees checked 2026-11-03Estimate, not a customs ruling. Sources & method
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The US de minimis suspension, explained for small sellers

Facts checked 2026-11-03 · HTS Revision 22 (2026)

For years, parcels worth up to $800 entered the US duty-free under the de minimis rule. That is over for mail. Here is what the official notices say, in plain words.

Timeline

DateWhat happened
June 24, 2026CBP published an interim final rule indefinitely suspending de minimis for mail; the suspension took effect that day.
July 24, 2026A new postal informal entry process for mail valued at $2,500 or less took effect.
Sept 22, 2026The voluntary Entry Type 13 test for eligible mail under $2,500 began.
Jan 20, 2027Compliance date (extended from Oct 22, 2026) for formal entry of mail that is subject to Chapter 98/99 duties, partner government agency rules, or claims FTA duty-free treatment.

Source for all four rows: Federal Register document 2026-21600.

What it means for a maker

  • Every parcel of value can owe duty, even a $15 pair of earrings. The duty is the HTS rate for your item plus any Chapter 99 add-on for your origin country.
  • Most origin countries currently have a Chapter 99 add-on (Section 301 headings 9903.05.20–.84), so from January 20, 2027 many postal parcels will need formal entry or Entry Type 13. Ask your postal DDP provider how they will file, and whether fees change.
  • Processing fees exist. CBP’s informal-entry merchandise processing fee for an automated entry is $2.77 in FY2027 (Federal Register). Carriers may or may not pass it on; DDPCalc lets you include it.

Try it with your numbers. The link below opens the calculator prefilled for this case. Change anything.

Price a low-value parcel →

FAQ

Is there still an $800 duty-free allowance for parcels to the US?

No for mail: CBP suspended the de minimis exemption for postal shipments indefinitely in June 2026, and low-value mail now goes through a postal informal entry process.

What changes on January 20, 2027?

Postal shipments subject to Chapter 98 or 99 duties, partner-agency requirements, or claiming free-trade-agreement treatment must use formal entry (or the voluntary Entry Type 13 test where eligible).

Sources

  1. Federal Register 2026-21600 (Oct 22, 2026): de minimis suspension for mail, compliance date extension
  2. Federal Register: customs user fees for FY2027

Estimate and general information only, not legal, tax or customs advice.

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