De minimis threshold for imports to the US will be removed in August 2025

A new reality for importers

From August 29, 2025, US import rules will change fundamentally with the removal of the current de minimis threshold of USD 800 for low-value shipments. This means that every shipment – regardless of value – must now go through full customs clearance and may be subject to duties and taxes.

Who will be impacted?
The new rules apply to all countries, except China, where the de minimis provision has already been abolished. The change follows a presidential proclamation issued by the White House on July 30, 2025. You can read the official announcement here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/suspending-duty-free-de-minimis-treatment-for-all-countries/

What does this mean in practice?
Until now, shipments valued under USD 800 could enter the US without duties and without undergoing full customs procedures. Going forward, every shipment must clear customs. If documentation is incomplete, outdated or inaccurate, shipments risk ending up in a manual clearance queue – something that can quickly extend transit times.

Why are the rules changing?
According to US authorities, the aim is to:

• Strengthen national security and curb the inflow of illicit goods, including synthetic opioids.
• Protect American businesses from low-cost imports and create fairer competition.

Raising the bar for documentation
To keep shipments moving smoothly and avoid delays, it is essential that your Air Waybill and commercial invoices include the following information:

• Clear and precise product descriptions
• The relevant Incoterm
• Manufacturer’s Identification Code (MID)
• Full 10-digit US tariff number
• Country of origin

Please note that the US applies different HS codes than Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the rest of EU. Whenever possible, shipments should be updated with the correct 10-digit US codes, available via the official database: https://hts.usitc.gov/

What could this mean for your business?

• Adjusted import costs, even for smaller shipments
• More customs procedures, requiring adjustments to logistics and pricing strategies
• Potential delays if customs clearance takes longer than expected

Planning together
As your logistics partner, we recommend reviewing your documentation procedures now. This will help minimize disruptions and secure a smooth flow of your shipments into the US – even under the new rules.

To learn more about how we can support your business in adapting to these changes, read about our four solutions in this overview.

If you have any questions, please contact our ServiceCenter:
Email: Servicecenter@linklog.com
Phone: +45 70 10 45 00