The current US de minimis limit is still written as $800 in the statute, but it is suspended, so in practice there is no duty-free limit for commercial goods as of October 2026. Other markets differ. Canada keeps low courier thresholds, the EU abolished its €150 duty exemption on July 1, 2026 in favor of a flat €3 per item, the UK still grants relief up to £135 but plans to remove it by October 2028, and Australia keeps its AUD 1,000 border threshold.
Key Takeaways
- The US $800 limit is in law but suspended for commercial goods.
- Canada’s courier thresholds are C$20, or C$150 duty and C$40 tax from the US and Mexico.
- The EU replaced its €150 exemption with a €3 per-item duty; the UK plans to drop £135 relief by October 2028.
- Australia keeps AUD 1,000 at the border; confirm all thresholds before shipping.
De Minimis Limits by Market, October 2026
| Market | Low-value threshold | What it covers | Direction of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $800 in law, suspended since Aug 29, 2025 | Was duty and certain taxes | Removed by statute July 1, 2027 |
| Canada (courier, most origins) | C$20 | Duty and tax | Unchanged |
| Canada (courier, from US or Mexico) | C$150 for duty, C$40 for tax | Duty; tax only up to C$40 | Set under CUSMA |
| European Union | €150 duty exemption abolished July 1, 2026 | Flat €3 duty per item category until July 1, 2028 | Normal duty rates after the EU customs data hub starts |
| United Kingdom | £135 | Customs duty only; VAT already applies | Relief to be removed by October 2028 at the latest |
| Australia | AUD 1,000 | Duty and border taxes for most goods | No announced change |
Thresholds are as of October 16, 2026. Confirm with each customs authority before you ship.
United States
The $800 figure remains in 19 U.S.C. 1321, but CBP’s e-commerce guidance says the suspension covers goods of $800 or less from all countries and modes. Charger parcels pay full duty. Our guide to importing EV chargers into the US covers the duty layers.
Canada
According to the CBSA, mail of C$20 or less is duty and tax free from any country, as are courier shipments up to C$20 from countries other than the US and Mexico. Courier shipments from the US or Mexico are duty and tax free up to C$40 and duty free up to C$150. A charger couriered directly from China is above C$20 in almost every case, so duty and taxes apply. See our Canada EV charger import guide for certification and duty details.
European Union and United Kingdom
The European Commission says a temporary €3 customs duty per item applies from July 1, 2026 to low-value distance-sale consignments up to €150, counted by tariff classification rather than quantity. It is paid by the seller or declarant, not the consumer in most cases. In the UK, HMRC has published draft law to remove the £135 relief by October 2028 at the latest. Sellers of Type 2 chargers into Europe can compare models in our 11 kW vs 22 kW wallbox guide.
Australia
The Australian Border Force says most goods valued at AUD 1,000 or less pay no duties, taxes or charges at the border, while goods above that pay all duties and an import processing charge. GST can still apply at the point of sale for low-value goods. Electrical compliance is a separate question; see our Australian certification guide.
EVDANCE exports to more than 30 countries and builds market-specific chargers, from the EV-ACS4005T NACS charger for North America to the EV-ACS3210E Type 2 charger for Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which market has the highest threshold?
Among these, Australia’s AUD 1,000 border threshold is the highest. The US limit no longer works for commercial goods.
Does a low threshold mean I cannot sell by parcel?
No. It means duty and tax apply, so price accordingly or ship in bulk.
Do these thresholds cover certification rules?
No. Product safety and certification requirements apply at any value.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- Canada EV Charger Import Guide: cUL, CSA and Duties
- EV Charger Certifications Explained: CE, UKCA, UL, ETL, CB
