2026 playbook

How to import after de minimis ended

The $800 duty free window is closed. Here is what changed and the three moves sellers are making to keep cross border selling profitable.

What changed

1The $800 de minimis exemption ended: China and Hong Kong in May 2025, then all countries from late August 2025.
2Every parcel now clears customs and can owe duty, so per parcel compliance often costs more than a cheap item itself.
3The EU is closing the same gap through 2026, with a duty on low value parcels and the €150 threshold going away.
4Volume of sub $800 parcels into the US fell sharply, so the old direct from factory model no longer prices the same.

Run your real numbers first

Before you change anything, see your true landed cost per unit and whether the per parcel model still pays.

Open the duty calculator

Three moves that work now

Bulk import to a local warehouse

Buy proven SKUs in volume, clear customs once, then fulfill domestically. Per unit duty and handling drop and delivery gets fast.

Pick steady, proven SKUs first
Get an HTS classification for each
Work with a freight forwarder and broker
Hold stock near your customers

Switch or diversify sourcing origin

Origin drives the tariff stack, so alternate origins can lower landed cost. Compare before you commit and keep a backup supplier.

Compare landed cost by origin
Vet new suppliers and check certifications
Order samples before you switch
Keep a backup supplier in another country

Reprice and show duties upfront

Bake duties into price, or show them at checkout so the border does not kill the sale. Lean toward higher margin, branded items.

Recalculate landed cost per unit
Set new margins that survive duty
Show duties at checkout or ship DDP
Focus on branded, differentiated products

How Accio Work helps

Accio Work sources across origins, runs market research, and handles VAT filings and customs documents in 100+ markets.

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General information, not customs or tax advice. Rules and rates change and depend on your product and origin. Confirm specifics with a licensed customs broker.