由 caicai8478 Since May 2, 2025, the United States has officially terminated the tax-free policy for small packages from China (valued at less than US$800). This policy adjustment has had a profound impact on cross-border e-commerce, logistics companies and consumers. The following is a detailed interpretation of the latest policies and precautions for customs clearance of small packages from China to the United States:
I. Core policy changes
Cancellation of tax-free thresholds
Previously, small packages from China with a value of less than US$800 could enter the United States tax-free through the T86 customs clearance mode. The new policy cancels this benefit, and all packages are subject to tariffs of 13.
Postal channels: 120% ad valorem tax, or a fixed fee per piece (increased to US$200/piece after June 1, 2025)17.
Commercial express (such as FedEx, UPS, DHL): 145% basic tariff, plus additional taxes on specific products37.
Strict rules of origin
Tariffs are levied based on the place of production rather than the place of shipment. Even if the goods are shipped through a third country (such as Vietnam or Mexico), as long as the origin is China, they still need to pay taxes according to the new regulations78.
Adjustment of customs clearance mode
The T86 mode is cancelled, and alternatives include:
T11 mode: Applicable to goods below US$2,500, with slower customs clearance (about 12 days) and a handling fee of US$2.6/ticket3.
T01 mode: Applicable to bulk goods, with strong compliance but high cost (handling fee of US$75/ticket + AMS/ISF declaration fee of US$50)3.
- Direct impact
Costs of cross-border e-commerce surge
For example, a US$500 clothing package was previously tax-free, but after the new policy, it will be subject to a US$600 tariff or a fixed fee of US$200, doubling the cost5.
Platforms such as Temu and Shein have adjusted their strategies to give priority to displaying goods from US warehouses, and some direct mail products are marked as “out of stock”79.
Extended logistics time
The new regulations require more detailed declaration information (such as HTS code, recipient tax number), and customs clearance time may be extended by 3-5 days45.
Increased burden on American consumers
The prices of low-priced goods (such as clothing and daily necessities) have generally risen, and the prices of some goods have doubled19.
III. Response strategies
Adjust logistics model
Overseas warehouse stocking: Ship goods to US or Canadian warehouses in advance and avoid high tariffs through local delivery18.
Dedicated line small package: Choose a dedicated line channel that supports T01/T11 customs clearance, such as the “double clearance and tax package” model (but be wary of compliance risks)45.
Optimize declaration strategy
Ensure that the waybill information is complete (HTS code, recipient EIN/SSN, manufacturer MID) to avoid return due to false declaration46.
Low-value goods can be split into less than US$800 for shipment, but it is necessary to pay attention to the “per person per day” consolidation calculation rules of the US Customs26.
Long-term supply chain adjustment
Market diversification: expand the markets of ASEAN and RCEP member countries, and reduce dependence on the United States18.
Brand upgrade: turn to high value-added products (such as smart home, new energy accessories), share tariff costs15.
IV. Notes
Customs clearance document requirements
A detailed description of the goods, proof of value, recipient tax number, etc. must be provided, otherwise they may be detained or returned610.
Sensitive items (such as food, electronic products) require additional certification (such as FDA, FCC)10.
Avoid high-risk operations
The US Customs strictly investigates “transshipment evasion” behavior, and error code 181 (invalid country of origin) will result in customs clearance failure38.
Some logistics companies have suspended the collection and delivery of ordinary B2C packages, and a 150% tariff deposit must be prepaid4.
Time planning
There may be customs clearance congestion in the early stage of the new policy (May-June). It is recommended to ship in advance or choose a stable channel45.
V. Future Trends
The United States may further expand the scope of the policy and may cancel tax exemption for low-value packages from all countries from September 20258.
Chinese e-commerce needs to accelerate compliance, such as reducing risks through overseas warehouses and localized operations (such as registering a US company)89.
If you need specific logistics plans or tariff estimates, you can consult professional agents (such as FedEx, DHL) or price comparison platforms (such as Baiyun.com)510.