The de minimis exemption is the rule in Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 that let a shipment worth $800 or less, imported by one person on one day, enter the United States free of duty and with minimal paperwork. As of October 2026 it is not in effect for purchased goods: it has been suspended for all countries since August 29, 2025, CBP made that suspension indefinite in June 2026, and a 2025 law ends the exemption for good on July 1, 2027. The $800 figure is still in the statute, but sellers of portable EV chargers cannot rely on it.
Key Takeaways
- De minimis allowed duty-free entry for shipments of $800 or less per person per day.
- It has been suspended for all countries since August 29, 2025, and the suspension is now indefinite.
- The statutory exemption is scheduled to end on July 1, 2027.
- Charger parcels now need a proper entry and full duty payment; confirm rules with a licensed customs broker.
How De Minimis Worked
Under Section 321, CBP could admit low-value goods without collecting duty or certain taxes, as long as the fair retail value of everything one person imported on one day stayed at or under the limit. CBP notes the limit was $200 until the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act raised it to $800. That made direct parcel shipping from overseas factories cheap and fast.
Two separate exemptions were never part of the suspension: bona fide gifts and personal articles carried by travelers. CBP is clear that a “gift” bought, bartered or bundled with a purchase does not count.
De Minimis Timeline, 2025–2027
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2025 | Duty-free de minimis ended for goods of China and Hong Kong |
| July 4, 2025 | The One Big Beautiful Bill Act set statutory termination of the exemption, effective July 1, 2027 |
| August 29, 2025 | Executive Order 14324 suspended de minimis for all countries, regardless of value or shipping mode |
| February 20, 2026 | The Supreme Court ruled IEEPA does not authorize tariffs; the same day, Executive Order 14388 kept the de minimis suspension in place |
| June 24, 2026 | CBP interim final rules made the suspension indefinite for all modes, including mail |
| July 24, 2026 | New mail informal entry process took effect for postal parcels |
| July 1, 2027 | Scheduled statutory end of the exemption for commercial shipments |
A court challenge to the suspension was rejected by the Court of International Trade in August 2026, but litigation and further rulemaking can still change details. All dates above are as of October 2026; confirm against the official notice before you ship.
Is De Minimis Still in Effect, and When Does It End?
- Is it in effect? No, not for goods bought or sold. CBP’s e-commerce guidance says the suspension covers merchandise valued at $800 or less arriving by all modes, from all countries.
- When does it end? In practice it already has. The suspension is indefinite, and the statutory exemption is set to terminate on July 1, 2027.
- What is the current limit? The statute still says $800, but that limit no longer gives duty-free entry for commercial parcels.
- How does entry work now? Low-value parcels use formal or informal entry. Informal entry is generally available up to $2,500, with duty based on classification, origin and value.
What It Means for Portable EV Charger Parcels
A single portable charger shipped to a US customer used to clear as a de minimis parcel. Today that parcel needs an entry, a 10-digit HTS classification, a declared country of origin and payment of every duty that applies, including additional duties on Chinese goods. For mail, the filer must be the owner or purchaser or a licensed customs broker, and a customs bond is required.
Our guide to importing EV chargers into the US covers classification and Section 301, and the online selling checklist covers listings and compliance. Splitting orders, undervaluing parcels or misstating origin to avoid duty can lead to penalties, seizure and loss of import privileges, so keep declarations accurate.
Many sellers now move stock in bulk and fulfil from a US warehouse instead of shipping single parcels. EVDANCE supplies portable chargers such as the EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS charger and the EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 charger factory-direct, packed for bulk freight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still send a charger as a gift duty-free?
Only a genuine gift, given without payment or a linked purchase, qualifies under the separate gift exemption. A charger a customer paid for is not a gift.
Does the suspension apply to countries other than China?
Yes. Since August 29, 2025 it has applied to goods of all countries, sent by any mode, unless a separate legal exception applies.
Will de minimis come back after 2027?
Only if Congress changes the law. The current statute ends the exemption for commercial shipments on July 1, 2027.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- NACS Portable EV Charger Sourcing Guide for US Importers
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
- Selling Portable EV Chargers Online: Listing and Compliance Checklist
