How New US Regulations Are Reshaping Global E-Commerce

US import rules 2025 for e-commerce are about to bring major changes. From 2 May 2025, the United States has updated its customs laws. These changes will affect how international e-commerce parcels arrive in the country.

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What’s Changing: The End of the “De Minimis” for Goods Originating in China or Hong Kong

Until now, goods valued under $800 could enter the US without duties. This rule, called the de minimis exemption, allowed many sellers—especially from China—to avoid customs procedures. They often shipped through countries like the UK or Singapore and used postal networks to save costs.

That option no longer exists.

US import rules 2025 for e-commerce now state that any goods from China or Hong Kong must go through full customs, even if they are shipped through third countries. Duties can reach up to 145%.

A Forced Exit from the International Postal Network

In response, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advises merchants to stop using postal services. Instead, they recommend switching to commercial carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL.

This change marks a turning point. For years, postal channels enabled affordable global e-commerce. Now, the private sector is taking over.

Triple Impact for Online Sellers

• Increased Costs
  Commercial shipping comes with significantly higher transportation and processing costs. Merchants may be forced to pass these costs on to customers or absorb them into already-tight margins.
• Longer Delivery Times
  The move away from the postal channel, combined with the expected surge in customs formalities, is likely to cause delays at borders and distribution centres.
• Greater Traceability, More Regulation
  While private carriers offer better tracking, the trade-off is increased oversight: more declarations, more inspections, and more chances of shipment disruption.

Global E-Commerce Shake-Up

This isn’t just a challenge for Chinese sellers. It also disrupts the wider global e-commerce ecosystem, including:

• Export hubs that relied on postal redirection to the US.
• Small brands using postal services to test markets cost-effectively.
• Consumers accustomed to low-cost or free delivery from Asia.

To stay compliant with US import rules 2025 for e-commerce, merchants must rethink both their logistics and pricing models.

At MyDutyCollect, we support businesses in navigating these complex regulations by offering automated customs clearance, precise duty and tax calculation, and compliance solutions. As trade regulations evolve, having the right tools in place can make all the difference.

Get in touch with us to find out how we can assist your cross-border operations. Subscribe to our blog and visit our website and Linkedin page for more updates. You can also contact us by sending a message to info@mydutycollect.com. We’d be delighted to hear from you.