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.
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