Guides
Plain-language explainers on US import duty — the end of de minimis, carrier fee traps, and how to read a customs charge notice.
What was the $800 de minimis exemption?
The duty-free threshold that made international shopping cheap — what it was, and why it ended in 2025.
Read guide → PolicyThe end of de minimis: a timeline
China first (May 2), then the world (Aug 29) — the 2025 policy chronology, and what Entry Type 86 became.
Read guide → PolicyWill de minimis come back?
Verified entry-date rules and why policy forecasts cannot establish a future customs bill.
Read guide → FeesWhy was I charged customs fees?
Got a surprise bill from USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL? How to read the charge notice line by line.
Read guide → FeesUSPS vs UPS vs FedEx vs DHL customs fees
Government entry fees and service-specific carrier quotes; incomplete subtotals are labeled.
Read guide → FeesThe Merchandise Processing Fee, explained
FY2026/FY2027 fees, the October 1 boundary, postal exemptions and EMS exceptions.
Read guide → CorridorImporting from the UK to the US
Manufacturing origin, documented freight, UK product exemptions and postal fee assumptions.
Read guide → CorridorImporting from Japan to the US
The 12.5% MFN threshold, product exclusions and separate EMS/postal procedures.
Read guide → CategoryDuty on clothing from abroad
Rates by manufacturing origin for one representative cotton pullover, with MFN thresholds.
Read guide → CategoryElectronics import duty and product exclusions
The representative smartphone exclusion, product-specific China duties and entry-fee limits.
Read guide →