Shipping under $800 to the U.S. used to mean no duties, no taxes, and minimal paperwork. That era is over.
As of 2025–2026, U.S. Customs has significantly tightened enforcement around the $800 de minimis threshold, changing how low-value shipments are processed.

If you ship to the United States from Canada or shop internationally and forward parcels to the U.S., this guide explains what changed, why it matters, and how to adapt.

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What Was the $800 De Minimis Rule?

The U.S. de minimis rule allowed shipments valued under $800 USD to enter the country without:

• Import duties
• Federal taxes
• Formal customs entry

This rule applied mainly to informal and postal shipments and made cross-border shopping inexpensive and fast.

For years, individuals and businesses relied on this threshold to ship small orders duty-free.

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What Changed in 2025–2026?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now applies stricter controls on low-value imports due to:

• Surging e-commerce volumes
• Trade enforcement policies
• Country-specific tariffs and IEEPA measures
• Increased misuse of de minimis shipments

The result: Many shipments under $800 are no longer exempt from duties, fees, or documentation.

Key Changes

• Low-value shipments may now require duty payment
• Carrier brokerage fees apply more consistently
• Country-of-origin tariffs are enforced even below $800
• More shipments are flagged for inspection

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Does This Apply to All Shipments?

No — treatment now depends on how the package is shipped.

Postal Shipments

• Often subject to IEEPA or reciprocal tariffs
• Fees calculated as a percentage of item value
• Slower clearance and less predictability

Courier Shipments (UPS, DHL, etc.)

• Commercial entry rules apply
• Duties are assessed based on HS classification
• Brokerage and disbursement fees are added
• Faster but no longer duty-free under $800

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What Does This Mean for Shippers?

If you’re shipping to the U.S. in 2026, you should assume:

• Duties may apply regardless of value
• Accurate product descriptions are critical
• Incorrect declarations increase delays and costs
• “Gift” labels no longer reduce duties for courier shipments

Cost transparency and compliance now matter more than ever.

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How ShipByMail Helps You Adapt

ShipByMail is built for this new reality.

When your package arrives at our warehouse, we:

• Collect accurate item details and invoices
• Apply correct HS classifications
• Calculate duties and fees upfront (DDP)
• Show you the full landed cost before shipping

This eliminates surprises at delivery and reduces the risk of customs delays.

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Best Practices for Shipping to the U.S. Now

• Declare the true purchase price
• Use clear, specific item descriptions
• Expect duties even under $800
• Choose reliable courier services for predictability
• Work with a forwarding service that handles compliance

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Conclusion

Shipping under $800 to the U.S. is no longer a shortcut.
The rules have changed, but international shipping is still possible — with the right expectations and partners.

ShipByMail helps you ship compliantly, transparently, and without surprises in the post–de minimis era.

Ready to ship? Create your shipment and see your full landed cost before you send.

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