The End of the U.S. De Minimis Rule: What It Means for UK and Irish Exporters

Previously, goods valued under $800 could enter the U.S. duty-free, speeding up customs clearance and reducing costs for small shipments from global sellers. The new executive order terminates this exemption globally (except for postal shipments, which face new duty assessment methods) and accelerates prior plans to permanently repeal the statutory de minimis exemption by July 2027. The U.S. Government points out that de minimis shipments have surged dramatically in 2025, reaching 309 million shipments by 30 June, compared to 115 million for all of 2024. Officials say this has resulted in significant revenue loss and facilitated deceptive shipping practices.

Impact on UK and Irish Businesses

For UK and Irish exporters, especially  SMEs and e-commerce sellers, this policy represents a major shift with immediate cost and operational implications. Many UK and Irish retail businesses with U.S. customers have relied on de minimis to keep exports competitive and affordable by avoiding duties on lower-value parcels. The removal of this benefit means:

• Increased customs duties and taxes on all shipments to the U.S.

• Higher logistics and compliance costs due to customs declarations, shipment valuation, and origin verification requirements.

• Potential delays and disruptions in supply chains, as U.S. customs will intensify scrutiny and processing for all parcel imports, not just large shipments.

  
  

Trade bodies and UK Chambers of Commerce describe the change as a “bitter blow” for UK SMEs and sole traders relying on e-commerce channels to reach U.S. consumers. Businesses will need to urgently review their sales models, logistics strategies, and pricing structures to absorb or pass on new charges.

Irish businesses similarly face a tougher export environment to the U.S., needing to adapt to these heightened customs duties and potentially explore alternative logistics or distribution arrangements.

Potential Changes to UK and Irish De Minimis Rules

In response to growing concerns over competition distortion by low-value imports, both the UK and the EU have been reviewing their own de minimis thresholds. In the UK, goods valued under £135 currently enter duty-free, but a government-led review initiated in 2025 aims to assess its impact on domestic retailers and the broader economy. UK trade bodies have voiced the need for reform, citing unfair advantages for overseas sellers bypassing VAT, duties, and regulatory compliance, which hurts local suppliers and jobs. Options being considered include no change, further consultations, or immediate legislative intervention.

The EU’s de minimis duty exemption for imports under €150 is still in place, you don’t pay customs duty on goods below that value. However, new ICS2 rules now mean all shipments, even low-value ones, must be declared with detailed information before they arrive.

Key Takeaways for UK & Irish Exporters

• Exporters must rethink logistics, Shift to bulk shipments, leverage U.S. warehousing/FTZs, and invest in supply chain technology for better visibility.

• UK and Irish businesses should monitor potential domestic de minimis reforms and prepare for stricter customs enforcement on low-value imports.

• Engaging customs brokers, trade advisors, and logistics partners will be vital to mitigate risks and optimize cross-border trade processes.

Businesses selling or shipping to U.S. customers now face urgent questions about how to adjust logistics, pricing, and compliance. Our customs brokerage team is here to guide UK and Irish companies through these new rules and help streamline customs processes to minimize disruptions and cost impacts. Contact us to prepare your supply chain for the new customs landscape and maintain your global competitiveness.