On August 29, 2025, the U.S. will eliminate the de minimis privilege that allowed low-value goods to enter the country duty-free with minimal customs processing. This change will significantly affect cross-border e-commerce.
The rule had enabled foreign retailers to ship directly to U.S. consumers without paying tariffs, fueling growth for marketplaces and small sellers importing from abroad. Importers will now face full customs clearance for all shipments, regardless of value, increasing costs and delivery times.
To manage new customs costs:
- Shift to bulk importing and domestic fulfillment, using in-depth business intelligence and analysis to manage inventory closer to customers
- Leverage a managed transportation provider that can help you with cross-border routing and compliance
- Negotiate with carriers to potentially offset customs-related cost increases
By positioning inventory within the U.S., retailers can maintain delivery speed while avoiding per-shipment customs burdens.
The end of de minimis privileges will disrupt established shipping models, but proactive planning can mitigate the impact. For help designing a compliant cross-border strategy, talk to an expert.
