No More Free Rides: Tariffs Hit China's Sneaky Opioid Shipments
Published Date: 4/7/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
Starting May 2, 2025, small shipments from China and Hong Kong that might hide synthetic opioids will no longer be duty-free when they enter the U.S. This change affects importers and aims to stop sneaky drug shipments by making sure extra fees are paid. The government is now ready to collect these duties to help fight the opioid crisis and protect American communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
No More Duty-Free Low-Value PRC/HK Imports
Starting 12:01 a.m. Eastern on May 2, 2025, products of the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong) that are valued at or under $800 and would otherwise qualify for the de minimis duty exemption must be entered in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and have all applicable duties paid. This applies to non-postal shipments described in the order and requires entry by a party qualified to make entry under an appropriate ACE entry type.
Postal Packages Face New Duty Options
For international postal items from the PRC or Hong Kong valued at or under $800 and entered on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern on May 2, 2025, carriers must collect and remit either a 30% ad valorem duty or a per-item specific duty. The specific duty is $25 per postal item for items entered on or after May 2, 2025 and before 12:01 a.m. Eastern on June 1, 2025, and $50 per postal item for items entered on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern on June 1, 2025.
Carriers Must Have International Carrier Bonds
Any carrier transporting international postal items containing goods from the PRC or Hong Kong to the United States must hold an international carrier bond to ensure payment of the new duties. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may require these bonds to be sufficient to cover the duties described in the order.
Carriers Must Report and Remit Duties Periodically
CBP is authorized to require carriers to remit payment of duties monthly or on another periodic schedule and to report the total number of postal items and, if choosing the ad valorem option, the value of each postal item. CBP may also require formal entry for any international postal package, in which case that package will instead be subject to all applicable duties, taxes, and fees under law.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14990, Further Strengthening Actions Taken To Adjust Imports of Aluminum Into the United States
The U.S. government is stepping up its game to protect national security by tightening rules on aluminum imports. This means higher tariffs and stricter controls on aluminum coming into the country, especially from places that might threaten our security. These changes kick in soon and aim to support American aluminum makers while keeping our supply safe and strong.
2026-14991, Imposing Additional Duties To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Alcoholic Beverages
Canada has unfairly blocked U.S. alcoholic drinks from being sold in most of its provinces since March 2025, hurting American businesses and workers. To fight back, the U.S. is adding extra taxes on certain Canadian imports to balance the playing field. These new duties kick in right away and aim to protect U.S. commerce from this unfair treatment.
2026-14997, Imposing Additional Duties To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Motor Vehicles
The U.S. is hitting back at Canada for unfairly charging extra taxes on American cars and car parts, making it harder for U.S. businesses to compete. Starting now, the U.S. will add extra duties on certain Canadian imports to balance the playing field and protect American jobs. This means more costs for some Canadian vehicles and a fairer deal for U.S. automakers and workers.
2026-14992, Imposing Additional Duties To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Dairy
The U.S. is slapping extra duties on Canadian dairy imports because Canada treats American dairy products unfairly compared to those from the EU. This change hits Canadian cheese imports and aims to level the playing field for U.S. dairy farmers by making Canada pay for its discrimination. These new duties kick in soon and could impact prices and sales on both sides of the border.
2026-14999, Made in America Week, 2026
Made in America Week 2026 celebrates the comeback of U.S. manufacturing, thanks to new trade deals and smart policies that bring jobs and factories back home. American workers and businesses are winning big with billions in investments, tax cuts, and rules that make sure products labeled 'Made in USA' really are. This week reminds us all that building America’s future starts with buying and making things right here at home.
2026-15003, Securing America's Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials
Starting January 1, 2027, the U.S. military will tighten rules to buy critical materials only from American or allied sources, cutting out risky foreign suppliers. Defense contractors must now prove they’ve tried hard to get these materials domestically or from allies before asking for exceptions. This move boosts national security, strengthens supply chains, and keeps America’s defense gear top-notch and ready to roll.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06026, World Autism Awareness Day, 2025
On April 2, 2025, the President declares World Autism Awareness Day to honor the 1 in 36 American children with autism and their families. The Administration is boosting top-notch research and early detection efforts to help kids get the support they need sooner. This focus aims to improve lives and unlock the full potential of people with autism across the country.
Next: 2025-06063, Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits
The U.S. is fighting back against unfair trade by setting new tariffs that match what other countries charge us. This move targets countries that keep our trade deficits huge and hurt American jobs and businesses. Starting soon, imports from these countries will cost more, helping balance trade and protect the U.S. economy.