US Halts Duty-Free De Minimis Imports, Threatening UK Exporters

UK Exporters Brace for a Sudden Tax Shock

A fresh Executive Order, signed by former President Trump this week, is about to upend the smooth flow of low‑value goods from the UK into the United States. The news, shared by accountancy and advisory firm BDO, warns that the removal of the de minimis duty‑free window could hit UK firms hard.

What Was the de minimis Deal?

Until 1 February 2025, any shipment priced below $800 landed via a personal name was exempt from US custom duties.
No matter where it came from, how it arrived, or whether it flew by plane, truck or mail, the bill of $0 stood.

The New Rules: A Not‑So‑Smooth Journey

Two AIs have already disrupted the system: a February 2025 order stopped de minimis for imports from Canada, Mexico, and all Chinese goods. And now, on 30 July, the US is tightening the screws further.

Starting 29 August 2025, de minimis will bite for every parcel, regardless of origin or value.
Full‑declaration paperwork must run through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) – that extra paperwork not even the most efficient UK traders are used to.
Those flying high through the international postal network will get a temporary, separate filing system until they juggle the new US customs requirements.

BDO’s Take on the Mayhem

Matthew Clark, the big‑balloon guy in international trade at BDO, says:

“UK firms that rely on this duty‑free loophole are in for a bitter blow.”
“Retailers in the UK with a sweet spot in the U.S. must re‑engineer their logistics, customs declarations, and even value assessments.”
“The changes are forecasted, but the timing is nasty – they’re kicking in no later than the end of this month, leaving teams scrambling.”
“The UK government just rolled out a support plan for small and medium‑size businesses. This U.S. pain point threatens to overload even carefully crafted plans.”