The New U.S. Import Laws: What Retailers Need to Know 

August 29, 2025 Update

The U.S. enacts major changes to its import regulations as of August 29, 2025, reshaping the way international retailers, marketplaces, and logistics partners serve American customers. At Citipost Global, ensuring seamless, compliant delivery experiences for cross-border sellers is at the heart of what we do. Here’s a clear overview of what changes and how our vTraq U.S. solutions help you stay ahead.

Key Changes at a Glance

  • End of the $800 Duty-Free Threshold: All commercial imports—regardless of value—now require full customs declarations and are subject to duties and taxes. The previous de minimis allowance ($800) is abolished, with no exceptions.

  • Type 86 Discontinued: Importers can no longer use the fast-track Type 86 entry. Instead, shipments now clear under Type 11 (Informal) or Type 01 (Formal) entries, both of which demand comprehensive shipment data and exact duty calculations.

  • Mandatory Country-of-Origin Declarations: Every shipment must carry verified country-of-origin information to clear U.S. Customs, whether sent via post or commercial channels.

  • Duty on Postal Shipments: International mail parcels entering the U.S. are not exempt from duties. Initially, a flat postal duty ($80–$200 per item) applies for six months, after which all parcels move to ad valorem (percentage-based) duty based on the product and origin.

What This Means for Retailers

Retailers and D2C brands shipping to the U.S. face higher duty and tax costs and a need for meticulous documentation. Non-compliance risks delays, extra costs, or non-delivery. Lack of preparation affects both consumer experience and operational predictability.

Citipost Global’s vTraq Solutions

At Citipost Global, we offer an industry-leading vTraq DDU to vTraq DDP process, helping retailers transition effortlessly under the new regulations.

vTraq U.S. DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

  • Duties and taxes calculate based on parcel data before departure.

  • U.S. customers receive instant notifications (email/SMS) with secure payment links.

  • Once paid, the parcel will ship, ensuring all fees are settled upfront—eliminating surprise charges on arrival and reducing undeliverables.

vTraq U.S. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Service

  • Duties and taxes collect from the customer at checkout, allowing for seamless delivery.

  • Citipost Global will handle all compliance and customs clearance, with regular, transparent duty invoicing to retailers.

With either option, Citipost Global manages the entire customs clearance process, ensuring compliant, predictable deliveries.

Why This Matters

  • Reduces Delivery Failure: Duties and taxes are paid before export, so parcels only ship when fully compliant—no failed deliveries due to unpaid fees.

  • Faster Stock Replenishment: If parcels return, they never leave the UK, allowing for quick resale and reduced losses.

  • Customer Experience: Proactive, multi-channel notifications keep customers informed and help avoid confusion.

  • Compliance, Simplified: Comprehensive, flexible customs clearance options let retailers focus on growing U.S. sales.

Thinking About U.S. Fulfilment?

With these import barriers, many retailers explore local U.S. fulfilment. Citipost Global provides scalable, cost-effective U.S. warehousing: stock only best sellers, reduce import duty exposure, and accelerate delivery without major investment.

Ready to Stay Ahead?

Change is challenging, but the right partner makes it easier. With Citipost Global and vTraq U.S., retailers gain the expertise, technology, and communication to ensure smooth U.S. entry for every parcel.

For a bespoke consultation on optimising U.S. delivery, or to learn more about our fulfilment solutions, get in touch with our specialists today.