U.S. Suspends Tax Exemption for Small Packages via Non-Postal Channels
U.S. Customs has announced an indefinite suspension of tax exemptions for packages under $800 imported via non-international postal channels, requiring all relevant goods to be officially declared. This means logistics methods like express small packages will face increased tariff costs and delays in clearance times.
What are the key facts?
- 1Effective July 12, 2026
- 2Indefinitely suspended
- 3Packages ≤$800 must be officially declared
What happened?
Effective July 12, 2026, U.S. Customs has indefinitely suspended tax exemptions for packages under $800 imported via non-international postal channels. All such goods must be formally declared, and sellers' express small packages or freight forwarding channels will no longer enjoy tax exemption, requiring immediate switching to postal small packages or DDP shipping.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
Logistics costs will significantly increase; sellers need to reassess their pricing strategies and quickly confirm customs clearance plans with logistics providers to avoid delays at customs.