President Halts Duty-Free Perks for All Small Shipments Everywhere
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is continuing to suspend the rule that lets small shipments come into the U.S. duty-free from all countries. This means even tiny imports will face extra taxes to protect U.S. security and trade interests. The change affects anyone sending goods through international mail and keeps these duties in place starting February 25, 2026, which could mean higher costs for some imports.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
End of Duty-Free Small Imports
The Executive Order continues the suspension of the duty-free de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C), so small shipments from any country will no longer be automatically duty-free. This change applies regardless of value, country of origin, mode of transportation, or method of entry and affects shipments entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 24, 2026.
Postal Shipments Subject to Temporary Surcharge
International postal shipments that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to a duty equal to the rate in the Proclamation of February 20, 2026 (the temporary import surcharge). That duty applies until the temporary import surcharge expires or until the effective date of CBP's new postal entry process, whichever comes first.
Carriers Must Collect Duties and Declarations
Transportation carriers (or approved qualified parties) delivering international postal shipments must collect and remit duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection using CBP's methodology and guidance. For postal shipments subject to the surcharge, the country of origin and the value of each article must be declared to CBP.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in