Low Value Imports
A China to USA shipment valued at $800 or less should not be budgeted as automatically duty free. The former duty-free de minimis treatment under Section 321(a)(2)(C) was suspended for covered shipments from all countries from August 29, 2025. The February 2026 executive order continued that suspension, with limited statutory exceptions.
For a small sample order or ecommerce restock, start with the actual merchandise and import channel. The old threshold is not a complete landed-cost calculation. Postal and non-postal shipments have different entry and collection arrangements, so ask the party handling entry which process applies to your shipment.
Before comparing costs
- Describe the product, materials, intended use and quantity.
- Confirm country of origin and the value supported by transaction records.
- Share the planned shipping channel and US destination.
- Provide a confirmed tariff classification if available and identify product-specific documents that still need checking.
- Ask for applicable duties, clearance charges and delivery costs to be identified in the written quotation.
A low goods value does not by itself settle the duty rate or entry type. Confirm the current treatment with the importer or customs broker before committing to a shipping plan. This checklist does not provide a universal tax rate or replace shipment-specific customs advice.
Are shipments under 800 dollars automatically duty free
No. Do not rely on the former de minimis threshold for covered shipments. Check the actual merchandise, entry channel and rules in effect at import.
Are postal and non postal shipments handled the same way
No. Confirm the applicable entry and duty-collection arrangements for the channel you will use rather than applying a postal assumption to express or freight shipments.
Discuss your product and US destination with Jeffrey on WhatsApp to begin a shipment review.
Quick decision table
Practical steps
- Confirm route availability by cargo type and destination.
- Use actual weight, volumetric weight, CBM, and cartons to confirm billing basis.
- Separate China, international, and US-leg costs.
- Confirm duty, customs, and exception-charge scope.
- Record quote validity and payment method in the formal quote.
What can change the answer
- Cargo type and declaration details
- Weight, volume, and packaging
- US ZIP, warehouse rules, and delivery method
- Peak-season capacity, schedules, and clearance conditions
How Qianding can help
- Break down total cost from actual shipment data
- Remind customers not to compare per-kg price alone
- Match ocean, air, and FBA plan options
- Explain possible surcharges
What the customer should prepare
- Provide accurate carton data and value
- Describe destination and receiving rules
- Confirm insurance, pallet, or appointment needs
- Compare quotes with the same service scope
Operational sample
Operational sample: two quotes have similar unit prices, but one excludes remote final delivery and appointments. Compare only after final-mile requirements are included.
FAQ
Can DDP be quoted per kg only?
A rough estimate can, but final pricing needs volume, destination, cargo type, and scope.
Are duties a fixed percentage?
No. Product category, value, and classification can change duty treatment.
Why does ZIP code affect cost?
US final-mile resources, distance, residential/commercial type, and remote areas differ.
How to reduce post-quote changes?
Provide complete data early and have inclusions and possible charges written in the quote.
Sources
- International Trade Administration: Know Your Incoterms
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Basic Importing and Exporting
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule
This guide is for shipment preparation and quote discussion. It is not legal, tax, or customs-compliance advice. The final plan depends on actual cargo data, US regulatory requirements, current route availability, and the written quotation.