US Ends 'De Minimis' Rule, Global Tax Hikes Begin, Cross-Border Customs Clearance Rules Undergo Major Changes!

From July 30th to 31st, 2025, the White House consecutively issued two historically significant presidential executive orders, announcing that the United States will fully suspend de minimis treatment and implement a 'Reciprocal Tariff System' to levy tiered taxes on all major trading partners based on their performance, in response to what it deems a 'national emergency.'

Global 'De Minimis' Officially Ends

1.What is the de minimis policy?

Imported goods with a value not exceeding $800 per shipment are exempt from customs duties, commonly used for e-commerce parcels, sample clearance, and direct mail of small-value items.

2.New policy changes:

According to the executive order on July 30th, effective August 29th, 2025, 00:01 (ET): De minimis treatment is suspended globally, regardless of the country of origin, shipping method, entry channel, or type of goods.

3.Key points include:

• All non-postal parcels subject to full taxation: All incoming goods via express, air freight, sea freight, and land transport channels will no longer enjoy de minimis exemption;

• International postal parcels will have a transition period but will be subject to fixed duties tiered by country (e.g., $80/$160/$200);

• Significantly increased declaration requirements: Even small packages worth tens of dollars must be declared and taxed through the U.S. Customs ACE system;

• CBP gains greater regulatory power: Will impose bonds on incoming goods valued under $2500 and strictly investigate tax evasion;

• Evasion, misrepresentation, and transshipment will be deemed 'intentional violations' and face penalties.

This is widely seen as the end of the era of low-value direct mail for cross-border e-commerce, with U.S. trade policy officially entering a phase of 'strict regulation and heavy taxation.'

Core Content of 'Reciprocal Tariffs'

Following the July 30th order, the White House further issued another order on July 31st, clearly stating:

The United States will establish a tariff system centered on 'reciprocity,' imposing additional ad valorem duties on countries and regions that do not have reciprocal trade relations, punishing trade barriers.

Ad valorem duties tiered by country

• Those without reciprocal agreements with the U.S.: A uniform 10% ad valorem duty will be added;

• EU model reference: If the existing tariff rate is below 15%, it will be supplemented to 15%; if ≥15%, no additional duty will be imposed;

1.Ad valorem duties tiered by country

For those without reciprocal agreements with the U.S.: A uniform 10% ad valorem duty will be added;

EU model reference: If the existing tariff rate is below 15%, it will be supplemented to 15%; if ≥15%, no additional duty will be imposed;

2.Enhanced crackdown on 'transshipment evasion'

Actions deemed by U.S. Customs as transshipment through a third country to evade tariffs will face: ① 40% punitive ad valorem duty ② Non-reducible administrative or criminal penalties ③ Other duties payable based on the original country of origin will still be collected

3.Clear timeline arrangement

August 7th, 2025: The order officially takes effect; Shipments en route before October 5th, 2025, can be processed under the old policy; A transition period for exemption is set for different countries, but they must cooperate by signing trade and security agreements to qualify for exemption.

4.China-US negotiation forecast

According to unofficial sources, it is predicted that China and the U.S. will reach an agreement to extend tariffs for another 90 days before August 12th. We will continue to monitor this matter.

Impact on Small and Medium-sized Export Enterprises and Traders

1.The 'low-threshold global expansion' window for the entire industry is essentially closed.

E-commerce, consolidated shipping, and express delivery models that relied on 'de minimis + postal direct mail' will be severely impacted; Higher customs declaration costs and taxation standards will push up product prices and compress profit margins.

2.Risk control pressure sharply increases. Customs is highly vigilant against 'origin evasion' and 'transshipment distribution'; Once deemed evasive, a non-reducible 40% tax penalty will be faced.

3.Compliance and professionalization become prerequisites for survival. Merchants need to shift to standard customs declaration and tariff assessment systems; It is essential to master different countries' tariff rates and policy evolution in advance, and prepare for proactive declaration and cost estimation.

Shengshi Group is with you

These two executive orders mark the official end of the 'de minimis era,' and cross-border trade faces higher tariffs and stricter supervision. All export enterprises should adjust their customs clearance strategies as soon as possible and comprehensively enhance their compliance capabilities to cope with the upcoming policy changes and cost pressures.

At this moment, you need us to escort you.

We specialize in U.S. last-mile customs clearance and transshipment, Amazon FBA logistics, and one-stop third-party warehouse services, headquartered in Los Angeles. As a local U.S. customs brokerage firm, we have over 50 years of customs clearance experience and our own team of green card-holding Chinese customs brokers. We have the latest news and first-hand information to help you avoid pitfalls and achieve comprehensive cross-border e-commerce business development.

In this challenging tariff environment, choosing us means choosing professionalism, efficiency, and peace of mind. Shengshi Group will spare no effort to escort your goods with professional capabilities, helping you move steadily forward in the complex and ever-changing international trade market, overcome difficulties together, and open up a broader business landscape!