Sep 5, 2025
On August 29, 2025, the United States government permanently eliminated the "de minimis" customs exemption, which allowed shipments valued under USD 800 to be imported without tariffs or complex customs procedures. This measure, announced in an executive order signed on July 30, responds to national security and customs enforcement needs and had immediate impacts on postal services and exporters worldwide.
The de minimis exemption was suspended for all countries as of August 29, 2025. This was a response to deficiencies in the control of narcotics and counterfeit goods circulating in small international shipments. In 2024, more than 98% of seizures of narcotics and counterfeit goods in small packages were from shipments under this regime.
Several international postal services and courier companies—including DHL, Australia Post, Japan Post, and others—temporarily suspended shipments to the U.S. due to the invoicing and regulatory complexity required by this change. In the meantime, a six-month transition period has been implemented, during which fixed duties ranging from USD 80 to USD 200 per postal item may be applied, depending on the country of origin. After this period, standard ad valorem duties (based on a percentage of the declared value) will fully take effect.
Implications for Costa Rican companies and entrepreneurs
The end of this exemption represents a significant change for small and medium-sized exporters, e-commerce businesses, and entrepreneurs who ship products to the U.S. They must consider new logistics costs, potential price adjustments, and adapt their operations to full customs compliance sooner rather than later.
Key references
Reuters – The U.S. is ending the de minimis exemption for low-value shipments from any country, effective August 29, 2025.
Reuters – New customs policy reflects expanded tariff measures and impacts e-commerce and small packages.