in effect
This is a presidential executive order (EO 14388, signed February 20, 2026) that continues and updates an earlier suspension of the “de minimis” duty exemption for imported goods. Under that exemption, small-value shipments (previously under $800) could enter the U.S. without paying customs duties; this order keeps that exemption eliminated for all countries and all shipment values, and revises the specific duty rates that apply to packages arriving through the international mail system.
The order replaces the duty rate structure from the prior order (EO 14324) with a new rate tied to a separate February 20, 2026 proclamation imposing a temporary import surcharge; that rate applies to all dutiable postal packages until either that surcharge expires or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stands up a new formal entry process for postal shipments, whichever comes first. Non-postal shipments (e.g., commercial courier packages) must now be filed through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system using a standard customs entry — the informal de minimis path is gone for those shipments entirely. Senders of postal packages must declare the country of origin and value of goods to CBP; carriers delivering those packages are responsible for collecting and remitting the duties. The changes took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on February 24, 2026. A conforming update to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is included as an annex.
U.S. consumers who order low-value goods directly from foreign sellers (particularly through e-commerce platforms) will now pay import duties on those purchases regardless of price, where previously packages under $800 could arrive duty-free. Foreign sellers and shipping carriers — especially those routing packages through international postal networks — must collect and remit duties to CBP, adding cost and administrative steps to their delivery process. Domestic importers and customs brokers are also affected, as formerly de minimis commercial shipments must now be entered formally through ACE like any other import.