No More Free China Swag: Duties Fight Opioid Mail
Published Date: 4/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting soon, low-value packages from China and Hong Kong sent through international mail will no longer be duty-free. New taxes will apply to help stop synthetic opioid shipments and balance trade. If you import small items from these places, expect changes that could affect costs and timing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
De minimis Exemption Eliminated
The notice removes the de minimis (duty-free) exemption for products of the People’s Republic of China, including products of Hong Kong. If you import low-value goods from China or Hong Kong through international mail, those packages will no longer be duty-free and may face new duties.
New Duty Rate for Postal Packages
The notice establishes a new duty rate that will apply to international postal packages sent to the United States through the international postal network from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. This change means packages from those origins will be assessed at the newly established duty rate when they enter the U.S.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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