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.
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