Importing small parcels from China after the de-minimis change
Customs & rules · Updated
For years, shipments under $800 entered the US duty-free under the de-minimis rule. That exemption has ended. If you import small loads from China, such as samples, small B2B orders, sub-pallet quantities, or low-volume Amazon FBA, your parcels are now dutiable and need formal customs handling.
This guide covers what changed, what it means for your costs, and how to keep your landed cost predictable.
Key takeaways
- --The $800 de-minimis exemption for shipments from China has ended; every shipment is now dutiable.
- --Small parcels from China now require a commercial invoice, correct HS classification, and duty payment on entry.
- --Import duty, customs entry, and broker handling are now costs that were previously zero for small shipments.
- --The duty rate depends on the HS code for your product, so classification matters before you order.
- --An all-in DDP quote that bundles freight, customs, broker, and delivery removes the common surprise at delivery.
- --Getting the HS code right before shipping is the single most important step to avoid customs delays.
What actually changed
The duty-free pass for low-value parcels is gone. Every shipment now needs a commercial invoice, the correct HS classification, and duty paid on entry. On top of that, freight rates rose roughly 23% year over year.
Small importers feel this most. They are the least set up for customs paperwork and the least interesting to the big forwarders chasing full containers.
What it means for your costs
Your landed cost now has line items that used to be zero: import duty, a customs entry, and broker handling. The duty rate depends on the HS code for your product, so the same parcel can cost very different amounts depending on how it is classified.
The fix is to price these in before you order, not discover them at delivery. A predictable all-in quote that bundles freight, customs, broker, and delivery removes the surprise.
How to keep it simple
- Get the HS code right up front. It sets your duty rate and prevents customs holds.
- Have a clean commercial invoice for every shipment, no matter how small.
- Work with one party that handles freight and customs, so there is no surprise bill at delivery.
What documentation a small parcel from China needs
Every shipment needs a commercial invoice that names the seller, the buyer, what was sold, the quantity, the unit value, and the total value. A vague description such as 'merchandise' or a blank value field is the most common cause of customs holds on small parcels. Write what the goods actually are and the price you paid.
The HS code on your commercial invoice and customs entry determines the duty rate. US Customs uses the full 10-digit HTS number. Your supplier may give you a 6-digit code based on Chinese export classification; verify that code applies to the US import before it goes on the paperwork, because the two can differ.
Before May 2025, parcels under $800 from China entered the US duty-free. That threshold no longer applies to goods of Chinese origin. Every shipment, no matter how small the value, now requires a formal customs entry and duty payment. The $800 de-minimis rule still applies to shipments from other countries, but not to goods originating in China.
FAQ
Is the $800 de-minimis exemption really gone?
Yes. Shipments that previously entered the US duty-free under the $800 de-minimis threshold now face customs duties and formal entry requirements. Small parcels are no longer a loophole, they need real customs handling.
Do small shipments still need a commercial invoice and HS code?
Yes. Even small, low-value shipments need an accurate commercial invoice and the correct HS classification. Getting this wrong is the most common cause of customs delays and unexpected fees for first-time small importers.
What does it cost to ship a small load from China now?
It depends on weight, method, and duty rate. Plain Freight quotes one all-in price covering freight, customs, broker, and delivery, so the new duties do not surprise you at the door.
What HS code do I need for my product and how do I find it?
The HS (Harmonized System) code is a 6- to 10-digit number that classifies your goods for customs. In the US, the full 10-digit number is called the HTS code. You can look it up on the US International Trade Commission HTS search tool by entering a product description, or ask your customs broker to confirm it. Your supplier in China may give you a 6-digit code based on Chinese export classification, which is a starting point but may differ from the US import code. We verify the HS code as part of every quote so the duty calculation is based on the correct rate before anything moves.
Can I ship a sample order from China after the de-minimis change?
Yes, sample orders from China still ship normally, but they are now subject to formal customs entry and duty payment just like any other shipment. If the samples have a low declared value, duty may be a small dollar amount, but the customs entry and broker coordination steps still apply. Make sure the commercial invoice describes the goods accurately and states a real transaction value. Marking samples as 'no commercial value' or declaring zero value is a common mistake that causes customs holds.
Does the de-minimis change affect all products from China equally?
No. The duty impact varies by product category because different HS codes have different tariff rates. Some categories have modest MFN rates, while others carry additional Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin goods. Consumer electronics, clothing, furniture, toys, and many household goods are categories where the combined tariff rate is significant. The best way to know your exposure is to confirm the HS code and look up both the MFN rate and the applicable Section 301 rate before placing your order.
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