Starting August 29, 2025, the U.S. officially ended the de minimis exemption. That was the rule that allowed packages under $800 to enter the country duty-free with minimal customs checks. From now on, every package entering the U.S., no matter its value or origin, will be subject to tariffs and stricter customs procedures.

For years, this threshold made cross-border e-commerce simple, especially for platforms shipping millions of low-cost packages from Asia. It also helped resellers, liquidators, and small businesses bring in affordable inventory without complicated import processes. With the exemption gone, the way goods move into the U.S. is changing, and that has implications across the wholesale, surplus, liquidation, and freight industries.

Why the Policy Changed

Officials cite three main reasons for ending de minimis:

• Leveling the playing field: Low-value imports sometimes avoided duties that domestic sellers paid, giving foreign products a price advantage.

• Counterfeit goods: A majority of seized counterfeit items in 2024 came through low-value shipments.

• Illegal drugs: Most fentanyl and opioid seizures reportedly entered through these channels.

The result is clear: imports are now subject to fees and documentation requirements regardless of size.

What Replaces De Minimis

Two methods now determine tariffs:

• Ad valorem tariffs: A percentage of the item’s value that varies by product and origin. For example, a t-shirt from one country might carry 15 percent while an electronic component from another could be 25 percent.

• Temporary flat-rate tariffs for the first six months:

  • $80 for countries with rates below 16 percent

  • $160 for rates between 16 and 25 percent

  • $200 if rates exceed 25 percent

This applies to both postal shipments and commercial courier packages, although the channels handle clearance differently.

How Shipping Channels Are Affected

Postal Shipments (USPS partnerships with foreign postal services):
These used to enjoy simplified customs clearance. That convenience is gone. Small packages from overseas now face the same tariffs and documentation requirements as larger shipments, making this channel less cost-effective for imports.

Commercial Couriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others):
These carriers manage customs directly with CBP. They can continue operating, but every package must be declared, tariffed, and documented. That means more paperwork, longer processing times, and potentially higher freight costs.

Freight companies, brokers, and logistics teams will need to plan for increased administrative work and potential delays.

Direct Impact on Wholesale, Surplus, Liquidation, and Reselling

For businesses in these spaces, the change is significant:

• Higher Costs for Inventory: Bulk imports that previously avoided duties now carry extra charges. Margins on low-cost items may shrink, and truckload prices could rise as overseas sourcing gets more expensive.

• Shift in Product Availability: Fewer ultra-low-cost imports will enter the secondary market. That may push buyers to focus on domestic liquidation, regional overstock, or shelf-pulls. Niche categories may fluctuate in availability.

• Increased Administrative Burden: Every package needs proper documentation, HS codes, and accurate valuations. Resellers, liquidators, and freight operators will need to tighten compliance practices to avoid delays or fines.

• Competitive Pressure: Sellers who relied on pricing advantage may have to adjust. Domestic products, higher-quality imports, or alternative sourcing channels could see more attention.

Businesses that adapt early by streamlining customs processes, diversifying sourcing, or adjusting pricing strategies are likely to transition more smoothly.

What This Means Practically

• Postal Shipments: Operators must collect tariffs and submit them through CBP. Shipments over $2,500 require formal entry. Gifts under $100 are still exempt, but with stricter controls.

• Courier Shipments: All shipments must be registered in the customs system. Packages under $2,500 may still be processed informally, though CBP could require bonds. Over $2,500 requires formal entry with proper documentation.

European postal operators have not fully resumed commercial shipments yet. Until their systems are updated, commercial couriers remain the primary channel for imports. Reliable freight services and customs expertise are more important than ever for U.S. buyers.

Action Steps for Wholesale, Liquidation, and Reselling Businesses After De Minimis Ends

The new customs rules taking effect on August 29, 2025, mean that every imported package is now subject to tariffs and stricter procedures. For anyone in wholesale, liquidation, reselling, or freight, that’s not just a line item on a policy update. It affects day-to-day operations, margins, and planning. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can do to stay ahead.

1. Review Your Sourcing Strategy

• Check which suppliers you rely on most heavily, especially overseas ones.

• Identify domestic liquidation, overstock, or shelf-pull alternatives to reduce reliance on imports.

• Consider regional suppliers who aren’t affected by tariffs for smaller or specialty inventory.

The goal is to diversify and reduce exposure to sudden cost spikes.

2. Update Your Freight and Logistics Plans

• Communicate with your carriers about customs requirements, bonds, and documentation.

• Budget extra time for processing and potential inspection delays.

• Explore commercial courier options if postal shipments aren’t practical, since they handle customs directly.

Freight planning will now be just as important as your sourcing strategy.

3. Adjust Pricing and Margins

• Recalculate costs for every shipment to account for ad valorem or flat-rate tariffs.

• Decide which fees you can pass to customers and which you need to absorb.

• Consider bundling products, offering value packs, or creating premium boxes to maintain perceived value.

Margins may shrink if you don’t actively plan for the new tariffs.

4. Streamline Documentation

• Ensure every package includes HS codes, accurate value, country of origin, and importer details.

• Train your team on new customs processes to avoid errors that cause delays or fines.

• Use your courier or freight provider’s customs expertise—they are now more critical than ever.

Good documentation saves both time and money in this new system.

5. Monitor Product Categories and Demand

• Some low-cost categories may shrink in availability while others see short-term spikes.

• Track trends in your niche and adjust inventory focus to match changing demand.

• Use industry reports, forums, and groups to keep a real-time pulse on what’s moving fast.

Being proactive will help you spot opportunities before competitors do.

6. Maintain Relationships with Trusted Suppliers

• Lock in deals early with suppliers you know and trust.

• Verify new suppliers carefully, especially if deals look unusually low-priced.

• Long-term relationships now carry more value than ever because new rules create friction for everyone.

Consistency and trust can be as valuable as price in this new environment.

Bottom Line

The end of the de minimis exemption changes how imports enter the U.S., and the effects will be felt at every level of wholesale, liquidation, reselling, and freight. Businesses that plan ahead, adjust sourcing, streamline freight, and maintain strong supplier relationships will be positioned to navigate the changes successfully.

Think of this as a reset button: costs may go up, paperwork increases, and timing may shift, but businesses that stay flexible and informed can still find opportunities to thrive.