Importing small parcels from China after the de-minimis change
Customs & rules · Updated
For years, shipments under $800 entered the US duty-free under the de-minimis rule. That exemption has ended. If you import small loads from China, such as samples, small B2B orders, sub-pallet quantities, or low-volume Amazon FBA, your parcels are now dutiable and need formal customs handling.
This guide covers what changed, what it means for your costs, and how to keep your landed cost predictable.
What actually changed
The duty-free pass for low-value parcels is gone. Every shipment now needs a commercial invoice, the correct HS classification, and duty paid on entry. On top of that, freight rates rose roughly 23% year over year.
Small importers feel this most. They are the least set up for customs paperwork and the least interesting to the big forwarders chasing full containers.
What it means for your costs
Your landed cost now has line items that used to be zero: import duty, a customs entry, and broker handling. The duty rate depends on the HS code for your product, so the same parcel can cost very different amounts depending on how it is classified.
The fix is to price these in before you order, not discover them at delivery. A predictable all-in quote that bundles freight, customs, broker, and delivery removes the surprise.
How to keep it simple
- Get the HS code right up front. It sets your duty rate and prevents customs holds.
- Have a clean commercial invoice for every shipment, no matter how small.
- Work with one party that handles freight and customs, so there is no surprise bill at delivery.
FAQ
Is the $800 de-minimis exemption really gone?
Yes. Shipments that previously entered the US duty-free under the $800 de-minimis threshold now face customs duties and formal entry requirements. Small parcels are no longer a loophole, they need real customs handling.
Do small shipments still need a commercial invoice and HS code?
Yes. Even small, low-value shipments need an accurate commercial invoice and the correct HS classification. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of customs delays and unexpected fees for first-time small importers.
What does it cost to ship a small load from China now?
It depends on weight, method, and duty rate. Plain Freight quotes one all-in price covering freight, customs, broker, and delivery, so the new duties do not surprise you at the door.
Shipping a small load from China?
Get one all-in quote: freight, customs, and delivery handled.
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