On June 24, 2026, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued two Interim Final Rules indefinitely suspending the $800 de minimis duty exemption for all modes of importation of goods into the United States and establish a new informal entry and bonding process for international mail shipments. Public comments on these two interim rules are due to CBP no later than July 24, 2026. This indefinite suspension means that all such entries of low-value merchandise must utilize appropriate CBP entry procedures and are subject to applicable duties, taxes and fees.

The duty-free de minimis exemption was first suspended in July 2025 by President Donald Trump for low-value shipments. The suspension applied to the import of goods from all countries, and was meant to prevent evasion of tariffs and “deceptive shipping practices.” See Thompson Hine Update of July 31, 2025. President Trump reaffirmed and continued the suspension for such low-value shipments, including goods shipped through the international postal system, in February 2026. See Thompson Hine Update of February 23, 2026. In addition, with enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119–21, at Section 70531(b)(3)) in July 2025, the de minimis exemption will be statutorily eliminated effective July 1, 2027.

The two Interim Final Rules will amend CBP regulations as follows:

Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network – this Interim Final Rule implements an indefinite suspension of the de minimis duty-free exemption for imports valued at $800 or less arriving via all modes other than through the international postal network. This suspension is effective as of June 24, 2026.

Public comments are invited and must be submitted no later than July 24, 2026. CBP will consider all timely submitted comments in determining whether and, if so, how to revise the rule in a subsequent final rulemaking.

Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments and New Postal Informal Entry Process – this Interim Final Rule implements an indefinite suspension of the de minimis duty-free exemption for imports valued at $800 or less arriving through the international postal network. This interim rule establishes a new postal informal entry process for certain merchandise valued at $2,500 or less entering the United States through international mail. This suspension is effective as of June 24, 2026, with a delayed compliance date for certain specified shipments of October 22, 2026.

Public comments are invited and must be submitted no later than July 24, 2026. CBP is “allowing the public to weigh in on the regulatory changes” and providing a delayed effective date for the requirements regarding the new informal entry process “in order to give the lawful importing community time to modify the relevant processes.”

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Photo of Scott E. Diamond** Scott E. Diamond**

Scott is a senior policy advisor with more than 25 years’ experience with the legislative and regulatory processes involved in international trade policy, remedies and enforcement. This includes working with clients on matters involving export controls, economic sanctions, human rights and forced labor…

Scott is a senior policy advisor with more than 25 years’ experience with the legislative and regulatory processes involved in international trade policy, remedies and enforcement. This includes working with clients on matters involving export controls, economic sanctions, human rights and forced labor compliance, corporate anti-boycott and antibribery compliance, national security investigations, and foreign direct investment in the United States.

**Not licensed to practice law.

Photo of Samir D. Varma Samir D. Varma

Samir advises multinational corporations on export controls, economic sanctions and customs, and counsels individuals and corporations on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws. He represents clients in enforcement actions before U.S. regulatory agencies and conducts corporate internal investigations.

Photo of David M. Schwartz David M. Schwartz

David is the leader of Thompson Hine’s International Trade practice group and a member of the firm’s International Committee. He advises clients on the risks and opportunities presented by U.S. international trade laws and regulations and international trade agreements. He focuses on antidumping…

David is the leader of Thompson Hine’s International Trade practice group and a member of the firm’s International Committee. He advises clients on the risks and opportunities presented by U.S. international trade laws and regulations and international trade agreements. He focuses on antidumping (AD), countervailing duty (CVD) and safeguard litigation, international trade policy, and cross-border compliance issues affecting goods, services, technology and investments that involve transportation, customs, export controls, economic sanctions, anti-boycott and anti-bribery laws and regulations.

Photo of Francesca M.S. Guerrero Francesca M.S. Guerrero

Francesca counsels clients on compliance with export controls, sanctions, import regulations, human rights and forced labor, and the FCPA and antibribery laws. She works closely with companies to develop tailored compliance programs that fit their specific needs, and routinely advises clients on some…

Francesca counsels clients on compliance with export controls, sanctions, import regulations, human rights and forced labor, and the FCPA and antibribery laws. She works closely with companies to develop tailored compliance programs that fit their specific needs, and routinely advises clients on some of their most challenging international transactions, involving dealings in high-risk jurisdictions or with high-risk counterparties. Francesca also counsels companies through all phases of internal investigations of potential trade and antibribery violations and represents companies across industries before related government agencies.

Photo of Aaron C. Mandelbaum Aaron C. Mandelbaum

Aaron focuses his practice on advising clients on compliance with international economic sanctions, export controls, and U.S. import laws and regulations. He is also involved in assisting clients with complex cross-border transactions, anti-dumping and countervailing duty litigation, utilization of international and preferential trade…

Aaron focuses his practice on advising clients on compliance with international economic sanctions, export controls, and U.S. import laws and regulations. He is also involved in assisting clients with complex cross-border transactions, anti-dumping and countervailing duty litigation, utilization of international and preferential trade agreements, and customs classifications. Most recently, Aaron has counseled clients navigating requirements under the Export Administration Regulations.

Photo of Kristina Shcheglazova* Kristina Shcheglazova*

Kristina focuses her practice on advising clients on issues related to the importation and exportation of goods, including customs issues such as the classification of goods, country of origin, customs procedures and prior disclosures. She also assists clients with sanctions and export control…

Kristina focuses her practice on advising clients on issues related to the importation and exportation of goods, including customs issues such as the classification of goods, country of origin, customs procedures and prior disclosures. She also assists clients with sanctions and export control matters, including compliance with various sanctions and export control requirements, due diligence and sanctions screenings, and advises clients on the application of U.S. sanctions and export control licensing requirements. Her experience extends to addressing issues of forced labor in supply chains, assisting clients with government contracting matters and advising on anti-corruption policies.

*Licensed in MO only, not IL; limited to federal practice only.