US De Minimis Rule Abolished for All Imports
A wide-angle view of the Port of Miami with downtown Miami’s skyline in the background, a key entry point for international shipments into the United States, now affected by the end of the De Minimis exemption.
Effective from 29 August 2025, the United States will remove the $800 De Minimis exemption for all international shipments. This change impacts anyone sending goods to the U.S. from the UK, including businesses, individuals, and e-commerce sellers.
This article explains what the De Minimis rule was, what’s changing, and how to prepare for the new customs procedures and costs.
What Was the $800 De Minimis Rule?
Under the old rule, items valued under $800 could enter the U.S. without paying duties or completing formal customs declarations. This made cross-border selling into the U.S. faster and cheaper, particularly for low-value goods and online retailers.
What’s Changing from August 29?
From 29 August 2025, all shipments to the U.S. will require full customs clearance, regardless of value. That includes:
Formal customs documentation for all parcels
Assessment for duties, taxes, and clearance fees
Potential delays at the border
This brings low-value packages in line with higher-value imports.
With the abolition of the De Minimis rule, large container vessels arriving at U.S. ports may now experience longer processing times due to expanded customs inspections.
Who Is Affected?
This change applies to all UK senders:
Online retailers selling to U.S. customers
E-commerce platforms shipping from the UK
Private individuals sending gifts, samples, or personal items
B2B exporters moving stock, samples, or equipment
Even a small parcel valued at £10 will now need full customs processing.
Timeline of the Policy Shift
| Date | What Changed |
|---|---|
| 2 May 2025 | De Minimis removed for China and Hong Kong shipments |
| 29 August 2025 | De Minimis removed for all other countries, including the UK |
What This Means for UK Shippers
From 29 August, shipping to the U.S. will involve:
Longer clearance times
Higher costs (due to duties, brokerage, and handling)
Tighter paperwork requirements
It will be essential to plan ahead, price accordingly, and manage customer expectations.
How to Prepare
Update Your Customers Inform customers that low-value goods to the U.S. may now face extra charges and delays.
Review Pricing and Margins Consider the potential cost increases when selling into the U.S., particularly for items under $800.
Ensure Accurate Declarations Complete customs forms in full. Include commodity codes, item values, descriptions, and origin.
Check for Duty-Free Options Certain items may still qualify for special treatment under trade agreements or temporary import status.
Speak to a Shipping Specialist World Options can provide advice, shipping quotes, and documentation support to help you avoid problems at the border.
FAQs
Q: Will this affect personal parcels too?
Yes, gifts and personal shipments are also subject to the new rules.
Q: Is this just for courier services or does it include postal services too?
The change applies across all services including postal (Royal Mail) and courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx, etc).
Q: What if I under-declare my parcel?
Undervaluing packages can lead to fines, seizure, or further delays. Always declare honestly.
Need Support?
World Options works with businesses and individuals to manage global shipments. Whether you send five parcels a month or 500, our platform gives you access to multiple carriers, competitive rates, and full support for customs documentation.
