Effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on 29 May 2025, the United States may end its long-standing de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the country without customs duties or formal clearance. From this date forward, all incoming shipments may be subject to import duties and processing, regardless of value, origin, or shipping method.
This measure is expected to remain in effect until otherwise notified by the Secretary that systems are in place to collect, and it is subject to further changes or updates.
◆What is the de minimis exemption?
The de minimis exemption previously enabled U.S. buyers to receive low-cost items from international sellers without paying duties or facing lengthy customs procedures. This policy was widely used for e-commerce imports from countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, and Australia.
With the removal of this provision, all goods entering the United States will now be treated as taxable imports. This applies regardless of shipment value, country of origin, courier service, or postal route.
◆Implications for Japanese Imports
Products originating from Japan, especially those in the categories of hobby goods, electronics, fashion, and collectibles, will be among the most affected. These items are frequently purchased by U.S. consumers through online platforms.
Following recent trade discussions, the United States has agreed to apply a fixed tariff rate of 15 percent on eligible imports from Japan under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act framework.
◆What U.S. Buyers Should Expect
Starting 29 August 2025, all shipments entering the United States will follow the updated import rules. Key changes include:
■Goods previously exempt under the $800 threshold will now be subject to import duties.
■Parcels delivered by courier services such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL will face ad valorem tariffs immediately upon arrival.
■Parcels sent via postal services will incur a temporary fixed fee, with a switch to ad valorem charges from February 2026.
Consumers should be prepared for higher total import costs across a wide range of international shopping categories.
◆Recommendations for Consumers and Sellers
To reduce the financial impact of these changes, the following actions are recommended:
■Dispatch all existing warehouse items before 29 August to benefit from the current exemption rules.
■Make any planned purchases in advance, especially if the items are low in value or typically ordered in small quantities.
■Follow updates from shipping platforms and proxy services, as they will continue to provide guidance during the transition.
■During the six-month grace period, compare shipping options to determine whether postal services or couriers offer better value under the new duty structures.
◆What This Means for U.S. Customers
For U.S.-based buyers accustomed to duty-free online shopping from overseas, particularly from Japanese platforms such as Doorzo, the changes will be significant. Beginning 29 August 2025:
■All imported goods, including those under $800 in value, will be taxed.
■Parcels shipped via private couriers such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS will be subject to immediate ad valorem tariffs based on origin and declared value.
■Parcels sent through Japan Post or other postal services will be subject to temporary fixed fees ($80–$200 per item), shifting to ad valorem rates by February 2026.
In short, whether shopping for small anime figures, electronics, or fashion accessories, U.S. consumers should expect increased costs starting from late August.
◆How U.S. Shoppers Can Prepare
For customers with existing orders or stored items in forwarding warehouses or proxy shopping services, prompt action is advisable. Shipments initiated before 29 August will still benefit from the current $800 exemption, so there is only a short window to complete purchases under the existing duty-free structure.
Here are a few recommendations for mitigating the impact:
Ship warehouse items immediately: If you’re holding stock in a Japanese warehouse or proxy platform, arrange for dispatch before the policy takes effect.
Advance wishlist purchases: If you were planning to buy from Japan or other overseas shops, consider moving your timeline forward to avoid new tariffs.
Track updates and seek support: Do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team with questions about your orders.
Compare postal vs. courier shipping: For some goods, the temporary flat-rate postal fees may offer better value than immediate ad valorem taxes from courier services.
