No More Free Rides: President Ends Duty-Free Tiny Imports Everywhere
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is continuing to suspend the duty-free rule for small shipments from all countries, meaning more imports will have taxes. This affects anyone sending goods to the U.S. through international mail, keeping extra duties in place to protect national security and the economy. The change stays active starting now, so expect some packages to cost more at the border.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
De Minimis Duty-Free Exemption Suspended
The Executive Order suspends the duty-free de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for any shipment not covered by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). That means shipments that previously qualified as duty-free because of low value can now be subject to duties, taxes, fees, and other charges.
Postal Shipments Charged Temporary Import Surcharge
International postal shipments that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be assessed a duty equal to the rate in the Proclamation of February 20, 2026 (the temporary import surcharge) on the value of each dutiable postal item. That surcharge applies until the temporary import surcharge expires or until CBP publishes and implements a new postal entry process.
Carriers Must Collect, Declare, and Remit Duties
Transportation carriers (or other CBP-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 article's value must be declared to CBP.
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