De Minimis Cargo Clearance Goes The Way of The Dodo
A significant shift in international trade policy has taken place, with Section 321 cargo clearance now a casualty of the latest regulations. This marks the definitive end of an era for duty-free shipping for many businesses.
As of August 29, 2025, the United States officially eliminated the widely utilized de minimis exemption under Section 321 of the Tariff Act. This policy had, for a considerable time, allowed low-value shipments—those under $800 USD—to enter the USA without incurring duties or taxes. Its cessation represents a fundamental change in import procedures, ushering in a new landscape for cross-border commerce.