No More Free Rides: Small Packages from Abroad Now Face Duties
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 to pay 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
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
De Minimis Duty Exemption Suspended
The duty-free de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) is suspended for any shipment of articles not covered by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b). That means such shipments will be subject to applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges instead of being exempt.
Postal Shipments Subject to Temporary 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). That duty applies until the surcharge expires or until CBP's new postal entry process becomes effective, whichever is earlier.
Carriers Must Collect, Remit, and Report
Transportation carriers (or other CBP‑approved qualified parties) delivering international postal shipments must collect and remit duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection per CBP guidance. For postal shipments subject to the duty, the country of origin and the article's value must also be declared to CBP.
Harmonized Tariff Schedule Will Be Modified
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States will be modified as provided in the Annex to this order. Those tariff schedule changes take effect on goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on February 24, 2026.
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