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Presidential·Exec Order

Trump Moves to End $800 Duty-Free Loophole on Small International Packages

Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries

about 1 month ago·View on Federal Register

Key Points

  • This order ends the rule that allowed small packages worth less than $800 to enter the United States without paying taxes or duties. Now, almost every item sent from a foreign country will be subject to government fees, regardless of how little it costs.

    From policy text

    “The duty-free de minimis exemption provided under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall not apply to any shipment of articles not covered by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b), regardless of value, country of origin, mode of transportation, or method of entry.”
    View in full text
  • Americans who shop online from international websites will likely see higher prices or new fees when they buy items from abroad. This change affects everything from clothing and electronics to small household goods sent through the mail or private delivery services.

    From policy text

    “Accordingly, all such shipments, except those sent through the international postal network, shall be subject to all applicable duties, taxes, fees, exactions, and charges. International postal shipments not covered by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) shall be subject to the duty rates described in section 3 of this order.”
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  • The government is making this change to address national emergencies involving the economy, trade imbalances, and the flow of illegal drugs. By requiring taxes on every package, officials aim to better monitor what is entering the country and support American businesses.

    From policy text

    “In my judgment, these actions are necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergencies declared in Executive Order 14193, Executive Order 14194, Executive Order 14195, and Executive Order 14257.”
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  • Starting February 24, 2026, shipping companies and the postal service will be responsible for collecting these new taxes. Every international package must now include a clear declaration of where the item was made and exactly how much it is worth.

    From policy text

    “Transportation carriers delivering shipments sent to the United States through the international postal network, or other parties if qualified in lieu of such transportation carriers, as approved by CBP, must collect and remit duties to CBP”
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  • These new rules apply to all countries and all methods of shipping, including the international postal network. The specific tax rate will be based on a separate temporary import surcharge announced by the President.

    From policy text

    “A duty equal to the rate provided in the Proclamation of February 20, 2026 (Imposing a Temporary Import Surcharge to Address Fundamental International Payments Problems), shall be assessed on the value of each dutiable postal item containing goods entered for consumption.”
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Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within several months of February 2026

CBP publishes new entry process for postal shipments

Customs and Border Protection will set up a formal new system for processing international mail packages. Once this system is live, postal carriers will need to file full customs entries for each package, which could slow delivery times and add processing fees.

Source Information

Signed By

Document Type

Executive Order

Official Title

Continuing the Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.