Effective August 29, 2025, the U.S. will officially end its de minimis duty exemption for low-value commercial imports. This major policy shift will impact global eCommerce brands shipping into the U.S. — especially those relying on low-cost cross-border fulfilment models.
🔍 What is de minimis—and what’s changing?
Until now, goods valued under $800 USD could enter the U.S. duty-free, bypassing customs taxes and reducing paperwork. As of August 29, all commercial imports—regardless of value—will be subject to duties, tariffs, or flat import fees.
⚠️ What’s new?
- The de minimis exemption ends globally, not just for China/Hong Kong.
- Low-value shipments will incur duties or fixed fees, even under $800.
- Postal shipments will transition from flat fees to ad valorem (percentage-based) tariffs over time.
- Returns may now also trigger duty implications.
📉 What brands should expect:
- Increased import costs across the board
- Longer customs clearance times
- Additional customs documentation
- Possible tariff costs on returned items
- Pressure to reprice and rework fulfilment models
✅ What to do now:
- Review your current U.S. fulfilment strategy
- Reassess landed cost and pricing models
- Ensure full customs compliance on product classification and declarations
- Explore domestic fulfilment options to mitigate cross-border risk
🌎 How Sprint Logistics helps:
At Sprint Logistics, we understand the importance of adapting quickly in a changing trade environment. That’s why we’ve built a trusted network of U.S.-based partners to help brands operate more efficiently within the U.S. — including options for:
- U.S. domestic warehousing
- Faster delivery to U.S. customers
- Customs-cleared stock holding
- Simplified returns management
Whether you fulfil from the UK, the EU, or now from within the U.S., Sprint is here to help you stay ahead of disruption and continue delivering a world-class experience to your customers.
👉 Need help navigating the change? Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help every step of the way.
📲 0208 751 1111
