Starting May 2, 2025, nearly all Chinese goods, even small e-commerce shipments valued under $800, will face heavy U.S. duties. Postal imports are hit with either 120% of item value or a flat per-item charge ($100–$200). Carriers must collect and remit duties, and CBP is modifying HTS rules accordingly, according to new guidance released from US Customs and Border Protection.
From the document, starting May 2, 2025, de minimis treatment for PRC/Hong Kong goods entered into the U.S. (except certain postal items) will be eliminated. On June 1, 2025, duties will increase on certain postal items.
No more duty-free treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for PRC and Hong Kong products valued at or under $800.
Shipments must be properly entered and duties paid through CBP’s ACE (Automated Commercial Environment).
New Postal Duty Rates for China/Hong Kong Imports: Postal shipments valued ≤ $800 arriving from China/Hong Kong face two options:
120% Ad Valorem Duty (value-based), or Specific Duty:
$100 per item (May 2 – May 31, 2025)
$200 per item (starting June 1, 2025)
Carriers must collect and remit duties on postal imports. Additionally, carriers must have an international carrier bond to guarantee duty payments. Carriers must also consistently use one duty collection method and can only change it monthly with 24 hours notice.
Some shipments may still require formal customs entry even if duties have been prepaid via the postal system. Formal entries will follow normal HTSUS duties and taxes, not the flat postal rate.
On changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS):
PRC and Hong Kong goods are officially excluded from de minimis exemptions in HTSUS.
HTSUS Chapter 99 updated to add subdivision (w) clarifying duty treatment for Chinese postal imports.
Drawback (duty refund) is not allowed for these items.
Lastly, these duties apply in lieu of regular Section 301 China tariffs or normal MFN rates. CBP may suspend or amend its regulations temporarily to enforce these measures (such as relaxing entry paperwork requirements). Postal shipments that CBP flags for formal entry will NOT be eligible for the flat postal duty and will instead face full duties.
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