Shipping to US Customers After De Minimis: Rules and 3 Fulfillment Models
For years, many Chinese sellers shipped small orders straight to US customers and paid no US duty thanks to the $800 "de minimis" exemption. That model is over. Every low-value parcel now needs a proper customs entry and pays duties, so the way you get products to US buyers directly affects your costs, speed and risk. This guide explains the rules and compares the three main fulfillment models.
What changed
According to CBP's fact sheet (updated Aug 18, 2025), from August 29, 2025 imported goods from all countries valued at or below $800 are no longer eligible for de minimis treatment and are subject to all applicable duties, taxes and fees. Key points:
- Non-postal shipments (express couriers, freight) must be filed using an appropriate entry type in CBP's ACE system by a party qualified to make entry.
- Postal shipments are subject to duties; carriers bringing international postal packages to the US need an international carrier bond, and qualified parties can file and pay duties in place of carriers.
- In June 2026, CBP published a rule titled Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process in the Federal Register (June 24, 2026), so sellers should not plan around de minimis returning.
Under 19 CFR 143.21, shipments valued at $2,500 or less may generally use an informal entry; higher-value shipments need a formal entry, which normally requires a customs bond. Duty rates depend on the product's tariff classification and country of origin and have changed often, so confirm current rates with a licensed customs broker.
Three ways to reach US customers
| Direct parcel from China | Bulk import to a US warehouse | Marketplace fulfillment (FBA / WFS / FBT) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Each order ships by courier or post and clears customs individually | Ship cartons or pallets by sea or air, clear once, then ship orders from a US 3PL | Import in bulk, then send inventory into the marketplace's warehouses |
| Customs entries | One per parcel | One per shipment | One per shipment (you or your forwarder as importer) |
| Delivery speed to buyer | Slowest; international transit plus customs for each parcel | Fast; domestic ground delivery | Fast; eligible for Prime or platform fast-delivery badges |
| Cash tied up | Low | Medium to high | Medium to high, plus storage fees |
| Best for | Testing products, very long tail SKUs, made-to-order | Multi-channel sellers and DTC brands | Sellers focused on one marketplace |
Actual transit times and costs vary by carrier, service and product.
Who should be the importer of record?
The importer of record (IOR) is legally responsible for correct classification, value and payment of duties. Options include your own US company, a customs broker acting for a foreign IOR, or a logistics provider offering delivered-duty-paid (DDP) service. Whatever you choose:
- Declare the real transaction value. Undervaluing to cut duties can lead to penalties and seizures.
- Use the correct HTS code and country of origin for every SKU; keep supplier invoices and packing lists.
- For DDP offers, ask in writing who is the IOR and whose name appears on customs filings. A very low all-in price can mean the declaration is not accurate, and the goods are still yours if they are held.
Tip: Ask your broker to build a landed-cost sheet per SKU: product cost, freight, duty, broker fees, US last-mile and marketplace fees. Price from that number, not from the factory price.
Checklist: moving from parcel shipping to bulk import
- Classify your top SKUs with a customs broker and estimate duty per unit.
- Compare landed cost per unit for direct parcels vs bulk import, including US last-mile.
- Decide the IOR and, for formal entries, arrange a customs bond through your broker.
- Pick a US warehouse or marketplace program that fits your channels.
- Start with best sellers. Move steady sellers to bulk import first; keep slow or test SKUs on direct parcel shipping.
- Update prices and delivery promises on your listings once stock is in the US.
How Atronia Innovations helps
We help sellers design the US leg: comparing parcel and bulk options, then shipping orders with our discounted US last-mile labels (UniUni, GOFO, SwiftX, USPS). See our logistics services or estimate costs with our shipping tools. Customs filings are handled by licensed brokers.
Sources
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment, fact sheet (updated Aug 18, 2025)
- Federal Register — Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process (Jun 24, 2026)
- eCFR — 19 CFR 143.21, Merchandise eligible for informal entry
