# Rule updates

Changes to apparel imports, small-parcel clearance and US dimensional-weight billing, newest first. Each entry gives the official publication date, the effective date and the date we checked the official text.

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An older entry does not mean the rule still applies today; phased or deferred dates are explained in the entry.

## Certain postal entry requirements deferred to January 20, 2027

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#postal-compliance-extension)

- Published: 2026-10-22
- Effective: 2027-01-20
- Checked: 2026-10-23

The effective date here is the deferred compliance date.

Compliance for certain postal entry requirements involving partner agencies, HTS Chapters 98/99 or specified duty-free claims is deferred to 2027-01-20. The extension does not restore the $800 exemption; budget for applicable duties and confirm the entry route with your carrier.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/22/2026-21600/indefinite-suspension-of-the-de-minimis-exemption-for-mail-shipments-and-new-postal-informal-entry)

## New fiscal-year MPF limits

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#mpf-fy2027)

- Published: 2026-07-31
- Effective: 2026-10-01
- Checked: 2026-10-22

Formal-entry MPF has a $34.58 minimum and $670.86 maximum; automated informal entries not prepared by CBP cost $2.77. Allocate the shipment fee across units rather than charging the minimum on every item.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-31/html/2026-15530.htm)

## Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take effect

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#forced-labor-301)

- Published: 2026-07-23
- Effective: 2026-07-24
- Checked: 2026-10-22

Among origins covered here, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Türkiye and the Philippines face an additional 12.5%; Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka face 10%. This is an additional duty layer; consult the notice for product exemptions and transit provisions.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/july/ustr-takes-action-forced-labor-section-301-investigations)
- [Official source 2](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-28/html/2026-15181.htm)

## USPS uses divisor 139 and rounds dimensions up

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#usps-dim-139)

- Published: 2026-06-25
- Effective: 2026-07-12
- Checked: 2026-10-22

USPS now uses divisor 139 and rounds length, width and height up to whole inches; rectangular parcels use DIM only above 1,728 cubic inches after rounding. The same package may bill at a higher weight; this site’s USPS row models Priority Mail retail weight pricing.

Related tools: [Billable weight and packaging comparison](https://storecalc.com/en/ship/)

- [Official source 1](https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2026/pb22705/html/updt_001.htm)
- [Official source 2](https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2026/pb22705/html/welcome.htm)

## New informal entry process for international mail

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#de-minimis-postal-rule)

- Published: 2026-06-24
- Effective: 2026-07-24
- Checked: 2026-10-22

The exemption suspension took effect on 2026-06-24; the date above applies to the remaining provisions.

The postal de minimis suspension was codified from June 24; the remaining provisions, including a new informal entry process for eligible mail, took effect July 24. Some entry requirements have a transition period; see the October 22 update for the latest compliance date.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-24/html/2026-12669.htm)

## Nonpostal de minimis suspension enters regulations

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#de-minimis-nonpostal-rule)

- Published: 2026-06-24
- Effective: 2026-06-24
- Checked: 2026-10-22

CBP codified the indefinite suspension for nonpostal merchandise valued at $800 or less, requiring formal or informal entry procedures. Budget for duty and clearance when shipping apparel directly by express carrier.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-24/html/2026-12670.htm)

## Duty-free de minimis suspension continues

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#de-minimis-continued)

- Published: 2026-02-23
- Effective: 2026-02-24
- Checked: 2026-10-22

CBP confirmed the continuing suspension for all origins: an ordinary apparel parcel is not duty-free merely because its value is $800 or less. Postal and nonpostal entry routes differ; temporary rates in this historical notice are not today’s rates.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/40b3d6e)

## Supreme Court rules IEEPA does not authorize tariffs

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#ieepa-ruling)

- Published: 2026-02-20
- Effective: 2026-02-20
- Checked: 2026-10-22

The effective date here is the decision date, not a customs collection cutoff or refund-processing date.

The Supreme Court held that IEEPA does not authorize presidential tariffs; current calculations here exclude that layer. This does not remove ordinary or Section 301 duties or restore duty-free low-value shipments.

Related tools: [US import duty calculator for apparel](https://storecalc.com/en/tariff/), [Landed cost and profit per unit](https://storecalc.com/en/landed/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf)

## FedEx rounds fractional dimensions up

[Link to this update](https://storecalc.com/en/updates.html#fedex-dimension-rounding)

- Published: 2025-07-18
- Effective: 2025-08-18
- Checked: 2026-10-22

FedEx rounds each fractional measurement up to the next whole inch or centimeter across all regions. A small increase in sealed dimensions can raise DIM weight; use the units required by your service.

Related tools: [Billable weight and packaging comparison](https://storecalc.com/en/ship/)

- [Official source 1](https://www.fedex.com/en-ae/service-news.html)

## Put the rules into an order

These are hypothetical examples, not freight or clearance quotes, using the checked MPF and USPS rules above.

| Illustrative example | Calculation | Seller impact |
|---|---|---|
| 500 units in one entry charged at the MPF minimum | $34.58 ÷ 500 = $0.06916 | About $0.07 per unit, plus duty and other costs. |
| USPS Priority Mail retail, 16 × 12 × 10 in, actual weight 5 lb | 1,920 > 1,728; ceil(1,920 ÷ 139) = 14 lb | Bills at 14 lb; smaller packaging may lower the band. Check rates separately. |