Changes to the $800 De Minimis Import Threshold for US Imports
Changes to the $800 De Minimis Import Threshold for US Imports
On 29 August 2025, the United States suspended its $800 de minimis import threshold — one of the most significant changes to US customs rules in decades. The suspension means that all parcels entering the United States, including those shipped from the UK, are now subject to import duties and taxes regardless of their declared value. There is no longer a duty-free threshold for goods entering the USA from the UK or any other country.
This blog explains what the de minimis threshold was, what has changed, what it means for shoppers and businesses shipping from the UK to the USA, and how Send2Hub handles US customs charges on your behalf.
What Was the $800 De Minimis Rule?
The de minimis provision originated from Section 321 of the US Tariff Act of 1930. It allowed qualifying low-value shipments to enter the United States duty-free and without formal customs entry. The threshold was raised from $200 to $800 in 2016, which significantly expanded the volume of goods able to enter the US without paying import duties. For international e-commerce, this was highly significant — a large proportion of consumer parcel shipments fell below the $800 threshold and cleared US customs without any duty charge.
For UK-to-USA shippers, this meant that a parcel of UK goods valued at $799 could previously enter the USA duty-free. From 29 August 2025, that is no longer the case.
What Changed on 29 August 2025
Following an Executive Order signed in April 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) suspended the $800 de minimis threshold for all non-postal shipments. The key changes are:
No duty-free threshold — all goods entering the USA from the UK (and all other countries) are now subject to import duties regardless of their declared value. A parcel worth $50 is assessed for duty in the same way as one worth $5,000.
Formal entry requirements — all shipments now require formal customs declarations with complete documentation: accurate item descriptions, harmonised tariff codes, declared values and country of origin.
Enhanced enforcement — CBP actively monitors for artificial order splitting (sending one large order as multiple smaller parcels to evade duties). Aggregated orders above $800 face review and potential penalty charges regardless of how the shipment is divided.
Increased documentation requirements — digital shipping platforms must provide detailed shipment manifests. Incomplete or inaccurate data can trigger duty assessments, hold at border or penalty charges.
CPSC eFiling — New Requirement from 8 July 2026
From 8 July 2026, a further requirement applies to shipments containing regulated consumer products entering the USA. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) now requires electronic filing (eFiling) for shipments containing product categories including children's toys, children's clothing and footwear, bicycles and cycling helmets, lighters and other regulated items.
If your shipment to the USA contains any of these product categories, your carrier must file electronic compliance documentation with CPSC before the goods are cleared. Failure to file correctly can result in detention at the border. When shipping regulated goods from the UK to the USA via Send2Hub, please inform our team in advance so we can ensure correct documentation is prepared.
What This Means for UK-to-USA Shipments via Send2Hub
Every parcel shipped from our Stoke-on-Trent warehouse to a US address is now subject to US import duties. Send2Hub collects an estimated customs charge upfront before dispatching any shipment to the USA — this ensures your parcel clears US customs without delay or being held at the border.
The process for US shipments via Send2Hub works as follows:
Step 1 — You pay for your shipment as normal through your Send2Hub account dashboard.
Step 2 — After payment, you receive a separate notification with the estimated US customs duty charge for your specific shipment. The estimated charge is approximately 15% of the declared goods value, though the exact amount depends on the type of goods, declared value and applicable US tariff classification.
Step 3 — Once the customs charge is paid, your shipment is dispatched to the USA with full customs documentation prepared on your behalf.
For full details of shipping costs and current US customs requirements, visit our USA shipping page or use our customs duty estimator.
Impact on E-commerce Businesses Shipping to the USA
Increased landed cost — goods previously entering the USA duty-free now carry an additional import charge. For many low-value items, this is a significant percentage increase in the total cost of delivery. Sellers need to review their pricing to account for this.
Documentation requirements — all shipments now require accurate harmonised tariff codes, declared values and full item descriptions. Incorrect or incomplete documentation creates risk of delays, holds and penalty charges at US customs.
No advantage in splitting orders — dividing a single order into multiple smaller shipments to stay under a threshold no longer provides any benefit. CBP monitors for this practice and aggregates related shipments for duty assessment purposes.
Impact on consumers shipping UK purchases to the USA — international shoppers using a UK parcel forwarding address to purchase UK goods and forward them to the USA should now account for US import duties in their total cost calculations. Use our customs duty estimator to estimate charges before shipping.
What to Do Now
Ensure accurate product descriptions and tariff codes — every shipment to the USA requires a correct HS tariff code, accurate declared value and complete item description. Send2Hub prepares standard customs documentation for all outbound shipments.
Use the customs estimator before shipping — our worldwide customs duty and tax estimator gives you an indication of likely US import charges before you commit to shipping.
Check CPSC requirements for regulated products — if your shipment contains children's toys, clothing, bicycles, helmets, lighters or other CPSC-regulated items, contact our team before shipping to confirm eFiling requirements are met.
Questions about US customs charges for your specific shipment? Contact our team before requesting your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the $800 de minimis rule?
The de minimis rule allowed goods valued at $800 or below to enter the United States duty-free and without formal customs entry. It was raised from $200 to $800 in 2016 and was widely used by international e-commerce businesses shipping to US consumers. The threshold was suspended on 29 August 2025 — all US imports are now subject to duties regardless of value.
Do I now pay customs duties on everything I ship from the UK to the USA?
Yes. Since 29 August 2025, all shipments from the UK to the USA are subject to US import duties regardless of declared value. There is no longer a duty-free threshold. Send2Hub collects an estimated customs charge upfront before dispatching any US-bound shipment.
How much are US customs charges on shipments from Send2Hub?
The estimated charge is approximately 15% of the declared goods value. The exact amount depends on the type of goods, the declared value and the applicable US tariff classification. After paying for shipping, you receive a separate notification with the calculated customs charge for your specific shipment before dispatch.
What is the CPSC eFiling requirement?
From 8 July 2026, shipments containing CPSC-regulated products — including children's toys, clothing and footwear, bicycles, helmets and lighters — must include electronic compliance documentation filed with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission before the goods clear customs. If your shipment includes regulated items, contact our team before shipping.
Can I split my order into smaller shipments to avoid US duties?
No. US Customs and Border Protection actively monitors for artificial order splitting and aggregates related shipments for duty assessment. There is no longer any duty-free threshold to remain under — splitting orders provides no benefit and may trigger additional scrutiny.