International Trade News August 2025
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USA de minimis removal w.e.f 29th August 2025
The US government has confirmed that the $800 de minimis exemption will be removed globally, effective 29th August 2025. This is a major regulatory change that will affect all low-value shipments entering the U.S., including eCommerce orders.
All packages entering the US will be subject to applicable duties, regardless of value or shipping method.
What’s changing and what are the new requirements?
1. No More $800 Duty-Free Threshold
All commercial low-value shipments will now require full customs entry, duty/tax assessment, and complete documentation.
Shipments will be subject to the following Tariffs:
I. Reciprocal Tariff
Relates to Country of origin for example: UK 10%.
Ii. General Duty
Relates to the tariff charge per HS code.
Iii. Section 301
For the purposes of international trade, section 301 tariffs refer to any additional tax and duty being applied to imports coming from nations that the US feels are violating for trade practices. For Example, goods of CN/HK origin
2. Mandatory Customs Information
Data is key: please ensure shipment data is comprehensive and accurate, every shipment must now include:
i. Country-of-origin details
ii. A clear description
iii. A valid HS code
iv. Value of Goods
How can GFS International help with US-bound shipping under the new regulatory updates?
GFS is pleased to confirm our updated shipping solutions to ensure your business remains compliant and uninterrupted.
Our recommendation is to ship US-bound parcels under either DAP or DDP.
1. DAP service (Deliver at Place) Duties & Taxes: Paid by the US Receiver (DDU)
Also known as GFS DutyPRO; available to all GFS customers.
GFS will collect duty & tax payments for you; holding and releasing shipments once duties & taxes are paid by the US end consumer.
Duty & Tax payments to be made by US consumers within 5 days.
In the event duty and tax is unpaid after 5 days, shipments will be consolidated and returned to the shipper at their expense.
2. DDP Service (Delivered Duty Paid) Duties & Taxes: Paid by shipper (DDP)
All duties & taxes billed back to the shipper.
What should you expect in your duty & tax invoices:
a) Standard duty % (based HS codes)
b) Section 301 tariff % (where applicable, based HS codes)
c) IEEPA Rate (Reciprocal Tariff %)
d) US DDP / Customs administration fees (£0.75 per parcel)
e) Shipping Rates: No changes to existing rates
f) Fuel Surcharge: No Fuel Surcharge
3. B2B2C Service / Transfer pricing solution
Only applicable for high-volume shippers with a US-registered business.
4. GFS US Postal Services EEUT Untracked and EWHB
Will be upgraded to commercial Clearance and processed as DAP.
