U.S.: China De Minimis Gone + New Tariffs

This April 2025 US Executive Order further targets synthetic opioid imports from China, suspending de minimis duty exemptions and imposing new tariffs.

U.S. officials analyze international trade data and monitor compliance with the April 2025 Executive Order on synthetic opioid imports, implementing stricter tariffs and controls on shipments from China.

The Executive Order issued on April 2, 2025, addresses the issue of synthetic opioids being shipped from the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong to the United States through deceptive shipping practices, often utilizing the de minimis exemption under section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930.

The order introduces further amendments to duties related to these imports in light of the ongoing synthetic opioid crisis.

Questions We Answer In This Blog:

1. What is the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment?

2. How will low-value products from the PRC and Hong Kong be impacted?

3. What changes will apply to postal shipments from the PRC and Hong Kong?

4. What are the carrier requirements under this new order?

5. Is there a bond requirement for carriers?

6. When can CBP require formal entry?

7. How will the implementation and monitoring of this order work?

8. What does the temporary suspension of the parenthetical exception in 19 CFR 143.21(a) mean for all countries and modes of entry, effective April 30, 2025?

9. Can informal entries still be made for goods up to $2,500 in value?

10. What does the temporary suspension of 19 CFR 145.12(b) mean for mail shipments from China or Hong Kong?

11. Will formal entry now be required for mail shipments valued over $800?

12. What should trade filers know about de minimis clearance for affected goods arriving on or after May 2, 2025?

13. Why are shipments likely to be rejected if de minimis clearance is requested?

14. What detailed guidance is available for carriers handling international mail from China or Hong Kong?

15. How are carriers expected to collect and remit duties for these shipments, and does this guidance apply to non-mail carriers?

Downloads:

Download the new executive order

Download CBP CMCS Guidance (April 25th 2025)

Manifest Guidance (April 18, 2025)

Official CBP Guidance for Mail Carriers

IMD Draft Worksheet

Executive Summary

Starting May 2, 2025, goods from the PRC and Hong Kong valued under $800 will no longer be duty-free, with a focus on synthetic opioids. Shipments of low-value products from these regions will now be subject to applicable duties and must be entered through the ACE system. Postal shipments under $800 will face new duties, including a 30% ad valorem duty after May 2, 2025, and specific item duties of $25 and $50 for items entering at different times. Carriers are required to collect and remit these duties, maintain an international carrier bond, and ensure compliance with CBP regulations. CBP may also require formal entry for certain shipments.

• What is the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment?

  • The de minimis exemption, which previously allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free, will no longer apply to certain goods from China and Hong Kong starting May 2, 2025. Specifically, this change applies to products related to synthetic opioids and other goods as outlined in Executive Orders 14195 and 14228. These goods will no longer be eligible for duty-free treatment, even if their value is $800 or less.

    
    

• How will low-value products from the PRC and Hong Kong be impacted?

  • Low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, typically valued at $800 or less, will now be subject to applicable duties. These goods will need to be entered into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, and tariffs will be assessed based on the product category and applicable tariffs, especially those related to the synthetic opioid crisis. These shipments will no longer qualify for the de minimis exemption and will be subject to formal entry procedures.

    
    

• What changes will apply to postal shipments from the PRC and Hong Kong?

  • Postal shipments from China and Hong Kong valued at $800 or less will now face new duties. The specific changes include:

    • 30% ad valorem duty (based on shipment value) for items entering the U.S. after May 2, 2025.

    • Specific duties of $25 per item for items entering between May 2 and June 1, 2025.

    • Specific duties of $50 per item for items entering after June 1, 2025. These measures aim to curb illicit shipments of synthetic opioids while maintaining legitimate trade.

      
      

• What are the carrier requirements under this new order?

  • Carriers (postal services and private shipping companies) transporting international mail from China and Hong Kong must:

    • Collect and remit duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

    • Report the value and number of items in each shipment.

    • Ensure compliance with CBP’s duty collection process and reporting requirements.

    • Maintain detailed records and submit information electronically via the ACE system.

      
      

• Is there a bond requirement for carriers?

  • Yes, carriers are required to obtain an international carrier bond, which acts as a financial guarantee ensuring that duties owed to the U.S. government are paid. CBP will verify that carriers maintain adequate bonds to ensure compliance with the new duty regulations.

    
    

• When can CBP require formal entry?

  • CBP can require formal entry for any international postal shipment that is subject to the duties outlined in the order. Formal entry is a more detailed process, requiring additional documentation and the payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Starting May 2, 2025, certain Chinese-origin goods will no longer qualify for the de minimis exemption and must be entered formally.

    
    

• How will the implementation and monitoring of this order work?

  • CBP will implement and monitor this order by enforcing the suspension of the de minimis exemption for certain goods from China and Hong Kong. They will require formal entry for affected shipments and ensure that all duties are properly collected through the ACE system. The changes will be enforced starting May 2, 2025, and any shipments that request de minimis clearance for affected goods will be rejected.

    
    

• What does the temporary suspension of the parenthetical exception in 19 CFR 143.21(a) mean for all countries and modes of entry, effective April 30, 2025?

  • The suspension means that informal entries, which were previously allowed for goods valued at $800 or less, will no longer be accepted for certain goods, including those from China and Hong Kong, starting April 30, 2025. However, informal entries can still be made for goods valued up to $2,500.

    
    

• Can informal entries still be made for goods up to $2,500 in value?

  • Yes, informal entries can still be made for goods valued up to $2,500, even with the suspension of the parenthetical exception in 19 CFR 143.21(a), which takes effect on April 30, 2025. This applies to goods from all countries, including China and Hong Kong, except for those affected by the new rules on duty-free exemptions.

    
    

• What does the temporary suspension of 19 CFR 145.12(b) mean for mail shipments from China or Hong Kong?

  • The temporary suspension of 19 CFR 145.12(b) means that mail shipments from China or Hong Kong valued over $800 will now require formal entry. Previously, these shipments might have been eligible for de minimis clearance, but that exemption no longer applies to these goods.

    
    

• Will formal entry now be required for mail shipments valued over $800?

  • Yes, starting May 2, 2025, mail shipments from China or Hong Kong valued over $800 will be required to undergo formal entry, in line with the changes outlined in the suspension of 19 CFR 145.12(b).

    
    

• What should trade filers know about de minimis clearance for affected goods arriving on or after May 2, 2025?

  • Trade filers should be aware that de minimis clearance will no longer be accepted for affected goods arriving from China or Hong Kong after May 2, 2025. Shipments seeking de minimis treatment for these goods will be rejected, and they will need to go through formal entry procedures.

    
    

• Why are shipments likely to be rejected if de minimis clearance is requested?

  • Shipments will be rejected if de minimis clearance is requested because certain goods from China and Hong Kong, including those related to synthetic opioids, are no longer eligible for the duty-free treatment. The suspension of the de minimis exemption for these goods requires them to undergo formal entry.

    
    

• What detailed guidance is available for carriers handling international mail from China or Hong Kong?

  • Detailed guidance is available for carriers handling international mail from China or Hong Kong, outlining the procedures for collecting and remitting duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This guidance also explains the required documentation and reporting standards.

    
    

• How are carriers expected to collect and remit duties for these shipments, and does this guidance apply to non-mail carriers?

  • Carriers are expected to collect and remit duties to CBP on all qualifying shipments. They must report the value and number of items in each shipment and comply with CBP’s duty collection process. This guidance is specifically for mail carriers and does not apply to non-mail carriers. Non-mail carriers must follow other applicable customs procedures.