Guide Updated: October 2, 2026

What Was the $800 De Minimis Exemption? Product Exemptions Still Matter

The suspended value-based exemption and a product tariff exemption are separate rules. A low-value purchase is not automatically dutiable.

The former value-based exemption

The US $800 de minimis exemption previously allowed qualifying low-value imports without the ordinary duty process. It was suspended for China/Hong Kong in May 2025 and globally on August 29, 2025. The July 2026 postal rule describes the current low-value postal framework.

Suspension does not make every tariff positive

MFN can be Free, and product-specific exemptions still exist. Ordinary printed books qualify for the informational-material forced-labor exemption, although another duty can apply, including China List 4A for ordinary non-religious books. The selected smartphone has a forced-labor product exclusion. Ordinary postal MPF exemptions also remain separate.

What a purchase needs now

Confirm manufacturing origin, classification, goods-only customs value, entry date and procedure. Add international freight to landed cost while excluding it from duty value only when it is an identifiable actual cost with evidence. Obtain a private carrier/broker quote for a complete total.

This calculator models ordinary purchases. Gifts, baggage, returned US goods and special entry claims need their own requirements and are outside its estimate.

Official July 2026 postal framework · Estimate a purchase

Sources and estimate scope

Rules verified 2026-10-02. The calculator supports tariff entry dates 2026-07-24 through 2026-10-02; other dates require a fresh rule check. Product selections are representative, and no FTA preference or special-entry treatment is assumed.

Calculate your landed cost

Duty, MPF, and carrier fees — broken down before you buy.

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