# Nonpostal de minimis suspension enters regulations

https://storecalc.com/en/updates/de-minimis-nonpostal-rule.html

- Topic: Small parcels
- Published: 2026-06-24
- Effective: 2026-06-24
- Checked: 2026-10-23

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.

## Our read

Ordinary apparel parcels sent direct by express each need a formal or informal entry, with brokerage fees on top of duty; on one-item parcels that fixed cost weighs heavily. Our view: it is worth costing bulk shipments to a US warehouse instead, remembering that the bulk import still has to be entered and pay duty.

## Key dates

- 2026-06-24: Published; Takes effect
- 2026-07-24: Comment deadline for this interim final rule
- 2026-10-23: We checked the official text

## Who is affected

- Sellers importing ordinary commercial goods valued at $800 or less by express, air or ocean need an appropriate formal or informal entry.
- Sellers replenishing a US warehouse should assess the bulk import as one shipment; subsequent domestic deliveries are not separate duty-free imports.
- International mail falls under a separate concurrent rule. This rule does not remove the distinct exemptions for qualifying bona fide gifts and accompanying personal or household articles.

## Run the numbers

Duty budget for a Chinese knit cotton T-shirt declared at $20 via commercial express (illustrative, using the de minimis checker)

| Component | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| General duty | $20 × 16.5% | $3.30 |
| Additional duties | 7.5% China Section 301 + 12.5% new Section 301 = 20% | $4.00 |
| Total duty | $20 × 36.5% | $7.30 |

Assumes a Chinese knit cotton T-shirt (6109.10.00) shipped 2026-10-23 with no exemption. Duty only; freight, government fees and carrier brokerage fees are extra.

[Recalculate in the US de minimis checker](https://storecalc.com/en/deminimis/?o=china&mode=express&value=20&item=t-shirt&fiber=cotton&ship=2026-10-23&entry=2026-10-23)

## What to do

- Ask the carrier which entry type it files in CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), who is responsible and how charges are assessed.
- Provide the actual product description, material, origin and customs value; the former $800 threshold is not a zero-duty rate.
- When comparing direct shipment with bulk replenishment, include import duty on the bulk shipment, storage and US domestic delivery.

## What the official text says

Quoted from the official text.

> This indefinite suspension means that all entries of merchandise valued at $800 or less arriving through all modes other than the international postal network must utilize formal or informal entry procedures.

— [Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-24/html/2026-12670.htm)

> This rulemaking does not affect the availability of the exemptions for bona fide gifts under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(A) or personal or household articles accompanying travelers under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(B).

— [Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-24/html/2026-12670.htm)

## Sources

- [Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Merchandise Arriving Through All Modes Other Than the International Postal Network](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-24/html/2026-12670.htm)

We checked the official text on 2026-10-23. Rules can change again; the latest official publication prevails.

## Related updates

- [Duty-free de minimis suspension continues](https://storecalc.com/en/updates/de-minimis-continued.html)
- [New informal entry process for international mail](https://storecalc.com/en/updates/de-minimis-postal-rule.html)
- [Postal Type 13 test: entries accepted without complete partner-agency data for now](https://storecalc.com/en/updates/postal-type13-pga-transition.html)
- [Certain postal entry requirements deferred to January 20, 2027](https://storecalc.com/en/updates/postal-compliance-extension.html)