WASHINGTON, DC – THE Trump Administration has officially ended the long-standing de minimis tax exemption, which allowed goods valued at US$800 or less to enter the United States without being taxed.
The exemption, previously outlined under U.S. customs law, permitted duty-free importation of small packages—a benefit widely used by consumers and retailers. However, effective 12:01 a.m. on August 29, 2025, the administration shut the door on that provision.
“Consistent with Executive Order 14324, the duty-free de minimis exemption provided under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall no longer apply to any shipment of articles not covered by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), regardless of value, country of origin, mode of transportation, or method of entry, that is entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 29, 2025," the government stated.
Though the move was initially aimed at shipments from China and Hong Kong, it now applies globally.
The sudden change has caused confusion among international shipping companies and postal services, many of which have temporarily halted small-parcel shipments to the United States while awaiting clarity.
The decision is expected to directly affect consumers in countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, where popular online retailers such as Temu and Shein ship products through the U.S. before they are redirected to the Federation.
According to CNBC, government carriers such as the U.S. Postal Service and other international shippers will now be responsible for collecting duties and remitting them to the U.S. government. The US Government has clarified that all shipments, regardless of value, must be processed through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system by qualified parties.
The Guyana Post Office and others within have already suspended shipments to the U.S. due to uncertainty over the new requirements.
The change marks another step in the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to reshape U.S. trade policy and tighten control over imported goods.
