in effect
This is a presidential executive order (EO 14388, signed February 20, 2026) that continues and updates a prior suspension of the “de minimis” duty exemption — the rule that allowed low-value imported packages to enter the United States without paying customs duties. It amends an earlier order (EO 14324) and is grounded in emergency economic and national security powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The duty-free de minimis exemption under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) — which previously let packages valued under $800 enter the U.S. without customs duties — is now suspended for shipments from all countries, regardless of value, origin, shipping method, or entry method. Packages arriving through the international postal network (e.g., standard mail from abroad) are charged a duty rate set by a separate February 20, 2026 proclamation on import surcharges, until either that surcharge expires or CBP establishes a new formal postal entry process, whichever comes first. Packages arriving by other means (commercial express carriers, etc.) must be filed through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) customs system and are subject to all standard applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Shippers using the postal network must declare the country of origin and value of each item to CBP. The rules apply to goods entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on February 24, 2026.
American consumers who buy low-cost goods directly from foreign retailers — particularly from overseas e-commerce platforms — will pay import duties on those purchases that were previously waived. Foreign sellers and shipping carriers delivering packages into the U.S. via international mail are now responsible for collecting and remitting those duties to CBP before delivery.