Executive Order 14324 “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment on $800 Shipments for All Countries”

EO 14324 (July 30, 2025) – Suspension of De Minimis Duty-Free Treatment

Background

·         Executive Order: EO 14324, signed 30 July 2025.

·         Effective Date: 29 August 2025.

·         Provision Impacted: 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C) (de minimis duty-free entry).

What Changes?

·         De minimis duty-free treatment suspended for all countries.

·         Applies to shipments entering the US, including those via international mail.

·         Exception: Shipments covered under 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b) remain eligible.

Affected Stakeholders

·         Transportation carriers (airlines, shipping companies, couriers).

·         International mail operators.

·         Customs brokers & qualified parties handling low-value shipments.

·         Exporters & e-commerce platforms relying on small-value duty-free entry.

Compliance Guidance (for International Mail & Shipments)

1.    Declaration Requirements:

o    All shipments, regardless of value, must now be declared for customs duty purposes.

2.    Data Reporting:

o    Carriers must provide complete electronic data sets for all consignments.

3.    Duties & Fees:

o    Customs duties applicable on all imports unless exempted by other statutes.

4.    Operational Adjustments:

o    Review IT systems for automated duty assessment.

o    Update billing and customer communication processes to reflect duty liability.

Implications

·         For Businesses:

o    Loss of de minimis exemption → higher import costs for low-value e-commerce and retail shipments.

o    Possible slowdown in cross-border small parcel trade.

·         For US Customs (CBP):

o    Higher administrative burden.

o    Greater duty collection potential.

·         For Consumers:

o    Imported small packages (previously duty-free) now subject to duty, possibly raising retail prices.

Summary: EO 14324 eliminates the longstanding duty-free allowance for low-value imports into the US. From 29 August 2025, all shipments—regardless of value—must pay customs duties unless otherwise exempted. Carriers and mail operators must comply with new reporting and duty-assessment requirements.

 

[ABS News Service/18.08.2025]

Guidance

Pursuant to the EO 14324 of July 30, 2025, (“Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries”), effective August 29, 2025, de minimis duty-free treatment under 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C) will no longer be available for shipments entering into the United States not covered by 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b), including those entering through international mail.

The attached guidance provides detailed instructions for transportation carriers and qualified parties on how to comply with the requirements for international mail.

<Global Guidance for International Mail>

<IMD Duty Worksheet>