From August 29, 2025, the United States will end the de minimis exemption, meaning that all imported goods, including those valued under $800 USD, will be subject to import duties and taxes.
What This Means for Japanese Exports via Courier
- All deliveries, regardless of whether they’re small or high-value, will now require formal customs entry and be taxed accordingly.
- Japanese-origin products will be subject to an approximately 15% import duty, based on the latest U.S.–Japan trade agreement.
- Shipments via FedEx, DHL, EMS, and other courier services are included in this change — the previous duty-free threshold is no longer valid.
Why the Policy Was Changed
The U.S. government cited several critical reasons for ending the $800 exemption:
- National security concerns, particularly around narcotics smuggling via low-value parcels.
- Enforcement of tariff compliance and closing trade loopholes.
- Supporting domestic manufacturing by eliminating unfair cost advantages for low-cost foreign goods.
What Itsuki Japan Customers Should Know
| Key Change | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| End of “Under-$800 Duty-Free” Rule | All shipments to the U.S., even low-value ones, are now subject to import duties. |
| 15% Approximate Duty on Japanese Goods | Be prepared for added cost on top of shipping — especially for low-price items. |
| Courier Shipments Only | FedEx, DHL, EMS, etc., are all covered by this change — the exemption no longer applies. |
| All Customers Affected | Applies to both individual (B2C) and business shipments to U.S. addresses. |