The recent suspension of the de minimis exemption for goods imported into the United States has significant implications for online shoppers and small businesses sourcing supplies from overseas. This change, which came into effect on August 29, 2025, means that all shipments entering the US are now subject to duties and require customs processing, regardless of their value.
The impact of this policy change is felt across the board, with national postal services like Deutsche Post and Royal Mail pausing shipments to the US due to regulatory uncertainty. This has led to a need for carriers to figure out new paperwork for millions of packages and collect money for duties and taxes.
Tariffs, which are import taxes paid by the importing party, are now applicable to all international shipments entering the US. This can lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers alike, affecting both international sellers shipping to the US and small US businesses importing products for resale.
The elimination of the de minimis exemption introduces new complexities and challenges for global commerce. Businesses must now navigate increased duties, customs requirements, and shipping complexities. For US merchants, this change may provide opportunities to capture market share from international competitors, while non-US businesses face the threat of increased costs, operational complexity, and customer loss.
In response to these changes, businesses can implement strategies to adapt to the new tariffs. US businesses may consider increasing ad spend, highlighting US-based products, and updating their websites to emphasize product origin. Non-US businesses, on the other hand, should assess the impact of new tariffs, implement comprehensive duty and tax calculation solutions, and build a multichannel strategy to diversify fulfillment options.
As regulations may change in the future, it is crucial for businesses to stay informed, monitor carrier policies, and adapt their strategies accordingly. Reciprocal tariffs from other countries may also impact the accessibility of US products to international customers.
Overall, businesses should focus on transparency, customer experience, and operational flexibility to navigate the evolving landscape of global commerce in the wake of the de minimis exemption suspension. Staying informed and agile will be key to successfully navigating these changes and maintaining a competitive edge in the global market.