Miami Import Broker

The End of the $800 De Minimis Rule

MIAMI FREIGHT FORWARDER

New 2026 U.S. Import Rules: Navigating the End of $800 De Minimis

For over a decade, the “Section 321” De Minimis rule was the backbone of the e-commerce explosion. It allowed shipments valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free and with minimal paperwork.

That era has officially ended.

Following the Presidential Executive Order signed on July 30, 2025, and the full implementation on August 29, 2025, the U.S. has suspended the $800 duty-free threshold for all commercial imports globally. Whether you are a small e-commerce seller or a frequent international shopper, the landscape of U.S. importing has fundamentally changed.

Updated: February 2026 By: MIAMI Customs Brokers

What has changed? (The Technical Breakdown)

Previously, “Entry Type 86” allowed for rapid, duty-free clearance. Today, every commercial package entering the U.S.—regardless of how small—is subject to:

  • Mandatory HTS Classification: Every item must now have a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code.

  • Formal or Informal Entry: Simplified “de minimis” processing is no longer available for most commercial goods.

  • Ad Valorem or Specific Duties: Depending on the country of origin, goods are now subject to either a percentage-based duty or a flat fee (ranging from $80 to $200 for certain postal shipments).

Why the “Sudden” Change?

While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act scheduled a repeal for 2027, the administration used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to accelerate this timeline. The primary drivers were:

  1. Fentanyl & Security: CBP reported that 90% of all cargo seizures in 2024 originated as de minimis shipments.

  2. Economic Parity: Closing the “loophole” used by giants like Temu and Shein to protect domestic U.S. retailers.

  3. Revenue Collection: In fiscal year 2024, 1.36 billion packages entered duty-free; the government is now capturing the lost revenue on those billions of units.

Strategic Advice: How to Survive the New Import Landscape

As Miami’s leading customs experts, we are helping our clients pivot. Here is how your business should adapt:

1. Audit Your Landed Costs Immediately

The “sticker price” from your supplier is no longer your total cost. You must factor in duties, MPF (Merchandise Processing Fees), and HMF (Harbor Maintenance Fees). If your margins are thin, a 10-25% tariff will wipe them out.

2. Switch to DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

To prevent “cart abandonment” and customer frustration, e-commerce sellers should switch to DDP shipping. This ensures the customer isn’t hit with a surprise bill from the courier (like FedEx or DHL) before they can receive their package.

3. Re-evaluate Your Supply Chain

With the $800 “loophole” closed, shipping individual parcels from overseas has become significantly more expensive than importing in bulk. Many of our Miami clients are moving toward Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) or bulk warehousing in the U.S. to lower the per-unit customs brokerage cost.

Who is Hit Hardest?

  • Fashion & Apparel: Brands shipping from Europe and Asia are seeing 80% drops in postal traffic due to new handling fees.

  • Tech & Electronics: Small components that used to slip through are now facing rigorous HTS scrutiny.

  • The Consumer: Expect longer wait times as CBP inspections increase and “automated” clearance slows down.

Why Partner with MIAMI Customs Brokers?

In this new era of “100% compliance,” a simple mistake on a customs declaration can lead to seized goods or heavy fines. We provide:

  • Accurate HTS Classification: We ensure you don’t overpay on duties.

  • ISF 10+2 Filings: Avoiding the $5,000 “no-file” penalty.

  • Local Miami Expertise: We understand the unique logistics of the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport.

The rules have changed, but your business doesn’t have to stop. Contact MIAMI Customs Brokers today for a consultation on how to streamline your new 2026 import strategy.