A Must-Read for E-Commerce Businesses: What is the American De Minimis (Duty-Free) Doctrine?

How the End of De Minimis Rule on August 29, 2025, Impacts Your U.S. Deliveries — and How to Keep Your Shipments Moving Smoothly

The De Minimis Doctrine exempts imports into America with a value under 800 dollars from customs duties and taxes.

However, this system ended on August 29th, 2025, meaning all future imports will be subject to taxation.

As a result, if you’re an e-commerce business, you may need to update your shipping cost calculations and customer service procedures.

Tips to Deliver E-Commerce Shipments to America Without Delay

Include Accurate HTS Codes

Including accurate HTS Codes* helps customs inspections go smoothly and reduces the risks of delays in shipments to the United States.

Accurate codes ensure duties are calculated correctly, speeding up billing to the recipient and customs processing.

By using DHL’s free customs information portal, “My Global Trade Services (MyGTS)”, you can automatically check HTS code and receive recommended code suggestions so that you can continue shipping to the US with ease, even after the end of the De Minimis (duty-free) rule.

*HS and HTS Codes: Are you sure you know the difference?

Fill Out Recipient Information Correctly

Be sure to correctly indicate the contact details of the sender and receiver (mobile number and email address) on shipping forms and invoices.

Help Your Customers Understand Customs Duties

In many cases, customs duties are borne and paid by the receivers of shipments before delivery can be completed.

Shipping delays may occur when payments have not been made, so providing accurate information allows us to promptly send the recipient their customs invoice and payment link.

Furthermore, many American consumers may not know that they need to pay these taxes, so be sure to notify them in advance on your e-commerce website.

Recipients Can Also Pay Directly

If the recipient in the US has trouble receiving their shipment, they can contact the DHL Express USA Billing team directly to pay their customs duties.

US Billing Direct Line (Domestic calls only): 1-800-722-0081

Consider Bearing Customs Charges as the Sender or Shipper

To avoid charging your customer or having shipments be delayed, you can consider bearing customs charges as the shipper by indicating the right incoterm to your shipping provider. To do this, your shipment will be classified as DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), which can help to ensure a positive customer experience. 

You can find more information on incoterms here. 

How We Can Support Your E-Commerce Success

• Global network with a huge presence in the United States of America (delivery to major cities nationwide in 1-2 days)
• Expert customs knowledge for smooth deliveries
• Real-time tracking and customer support
• A variety of solutions for e-commerce businesses.

If you are unable to respond promptly, there is a risk of your shipment being delayed or returned, potentially racking up additional costs for your business.

We recommend taking action as soon as possible, and we fully support the growth of e-commerce businesses to bring customers worldwide the best shipping experience.

To avoid missing out on business opportunities, now’s the time to consider DHL Express for your shipments from Japan to the US.