Summary
The U.S. is ending a rule that allowed tax-free imports of goods valued under $800, known as the "de minimis" rule. This change may impact online shopping and import businesses as they will now have to deal with tariffs and more customs inspections.
Key Facts
- The "de minimis" rule allowed people to avoid paying import fees on items valued under $800.
- It started with a much lower threshold in 1930 and was increased to $800 in 2016.
- The increase led to a rise in imports sent directly to U.S. consumers, benefiting many online retailers.
- Critics claim the rule allowed unsafe or illegal items to enter the U.S. without checks.
- The new changes, which suspend this rule, start with an executive order and affect package deliveries globally.
- About 4 million de minimis packages were processed daily in the U.S.
- Shipping services are adjusting their operations due to this rule change.
- The rule was beneficial for large platforms like Shein and Temu, and smaller sellers using platforms like Etsy.
