Proposed Rule Changes to Address Low-Value Import Exemption
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed new regulations to close loopholes in the de minimis rule, which currently exempts low-value imports under $800 from duties. The proposed changes aim to eliminate exemptions for products subject to tariffs, antidumping duties, or national security restrictions. Additionally, low-value shipments would be required to include a 10-digit tariff schedule identification number to verify eligibility.
Rising Use of De Minimis Exemptions
CBP data shows a staggering 600% increase in shipments claiming de minimis exemptions over the past decade, climbing from 139 million in 2015 to over 1.36 billion in 2024. Much of this growth has been driven by Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and Shein, which leverage the rule to ship duty-free goods to U.S. consumers. CBP estimates that 77% of de minimis shipments in 2023 would have been subject to additional duties under the proposed restrictions.
Enhanced Entry Requirements
In addition to closing exemptions, CBP has proposed changes to the data collection process for de minimis shipments. The updated “enhanced entry process” would require packages to include their country of origin, a tracing identification number linked to the original bill of lading, and additional data points to confirm the shipment’s contents.
Both proposals are now in a 60-day public comment period, after which they will be reviewed and finalized. If implemented, the rules will significantly alter how e-commerce platforms operate in the U.S. and could signal increased scrutiny on low-value imports.
