Most US online shoppers will never pay import duties on personal purchases. The $800 de minimis threshold means virtually every AliExpress, Temu, or international eBay order clears duty-free. But buy a $1,000 camera from Japan? That's when the duty system applies — and the carrier will contact you before releasing the package.
For the vast majority of online orders from AliExpress, SHEIN, Temu, eBay international sellers, and similar platforms: you owe zero US import duties because most orders are under $800.
The $800 De Minimis Rule
The single most important rule: any shipment with a declared value under $800 USD can enter the USA duty-free and tax-free, with minimal customs formalities.
This is the de minimis threshold — the minimum threshold below which customs duties are waived. The USA raised this from $200 to $800 in 2016, making it one of the most shopper-friendly import regimes in the world.
Result: the vast majority of personal online orders from platforms like AliExpress, eBay, SHEIN, Temu, and similar sites enter the USA completely duty-free.
- A $500 jacket from Italy? No duty.
- A $700 camera from Japan? No duty.
- A $799 watch from the UK? No duty.
What About Multiple Packages From the Same Order?
The $800 threshold applies per shipment, not per day or per seller. If you place a $1,500 order with AliExpress but it's shipped as three separate packages each valued at $500, each package clears duty-free individually.
However, if CBP believes packages are being deliberately split to avoid duties, they can consolidate them for duty assessment. This is rarely an issue for typical consumer purchases.
When Do You Actually Pay Duties?
Duties may apply when:
- The declared value of a single shipment is over $800
- The goods are on a special tariff list (certain Chinese goods became subject to Section 301 tariffs from 2018 onwards)
- Commercial quantities of goods are being imported
For packages $800-$2,500, CBP uses an informal entry process. Duties are assessed based on the type of goods and country of origin. The carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically advances the duty payment and bills you before releasing the package.
Track Your International Package
Monitor your package's customs status in real time — including clearance and any duty notifications.
Track Your PackageHow to Calculate Duties (When They Apply)
US import duties are calculated based on:
- The HS (Harmonized System) code for the type of goods
- The country of origin
- The transaction value
You can look up duty rates at the US International Trade Commission website (usitc.gov) using your product's HS code. Common duty rates range from 0% to 20%+ depending on product category. For example, apparel from China faces duties of 15-20%, while electronics from most countries face 0-5%.
China-Specific Tariffs (Section 301)
From 2018 to present, the US has imposed additional Section 301 tariffs on many Chinese goods. These tariffs are on top of regular duties and can be substantial (25%+ in some categories).
However, Section 301 tariffs generally apply at commercial import levels. For personal packages under the $800 de minimis threshold, these additional tariffs are largely waived at the individual shipment level.
Changes to trade policy may affect the de minimis exemption for Chinese goods. Always consult the latest CBP guidance at cbp.gov for current rules — policy changes can happen quickly.
VAT and GST for Non-US Destinations
If you're not in the USA, your country's VAT or GST will apply to imported packages over the local threshold:
- UK: Packages over £135 are subject to import VAT (20%)
- EU: Packages over €150 face import VAT plus possible customs duties
- Canada: Packages over CAD $20 (shipped from non-US) face GST/HST
- Australia: GST applies to imported goods over AUD $1,000
Always check your country's import threshold before ordering expensive items internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary: US Import Duties for Online Shoppers
Under $800: owe nothing, do nothing. Over $800: the carrier contacts you before releasing the package — pay the assessment and it ships. The one thing that catches people off guard is Chinese goods subject to Section 301 tariffs, which stack on top of regular duties for orders over $800.
- Under $800: Duty-free, no action required
- $800-$2,500: Informal entry — carrier may advance duties and bill you
- Over $2,500: Formal entry required — CBP Form 4646 issued
- Chinese goods: Section 301 tariffs may apply above $800 threshold
- Non-US buyers: Check your country's local VAT/GST threshold
Track your international package in real time on ParcelsZen — including customs status and clearance updates.