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Recently, U.S. customs changed the rules for international packages. Until now, parcels worth under $800 could enter the U.S. duty-free, but this exemption, called de minimis, has now been suspended for all countries. From August 29, 2025, every package—no matter how small or where it comes from—must go through customs clearance and may be subject to duties, taxes, and handling fees. For customers, this means that orders from abroad may now arrive with additional import charges. While this change is outside our control, we are doing our best to make the process as smooth as possible.
About the de minimis suspension
The de minimis exemption, a long-standing rule, allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the United States duty-free and with minimal customs paperwork. For decades, this rule made it easy for individuals and businesses abroad to sell directly to U.S. consumers without facing tariffs, while also simplifying customs processing for small shipments. However, on August 29, 2025, this exemption was suspended for all countries. Although it had already been removed earlier in the year for shipments from China and Hong Kong, the August measure extended the suspension globally. As a result, every commercial shipment—regardless of its value, origin, or mode of transport—now requires full customs clearance and is subject to duties, tariffs, and related fees.
How does this affect prices and shipping to the U.S.?
The effects of this suspension have been dramatic. International postal traffic into the United States has dropped sharply as many foreign postal services paused U.S.-bound shipments, uncertain about how to manage the new customs requirements.
Shipping companies and postal services are still adjusting to the changes, which has led to some delays and extra costs.
For consumers, the immediate impact has been rising costs: packages that once arrived duty-free now often incur not only import duties but also customs broker and handling fees, making many products significantly more expensive.
How is Sazen Tea reacting to these customs changes?
Looking ahead, we are doing our best to offer our customers the best possible options. At the end of August, when the de minimis was suspended, we started offering the DDP extra shipping service for packages to the United States. This service allows customers to pay for the duties, taxes and discounted handling fees in advance, and it offers a smoother customs clearance experience.
Although the executive order to suspend the de minimis has already taken effect, there is ongoing regulatory work that could shape how the rules are enforced in practice. As systems for customs entry and duty collection continue to develop, we are closely following these updates and adjusting the DDP extra shipping option we offer.
As the customs rules continue to change, we kindly encourage you to take a moment to check your local requirements so you can place your order with confidence.
