U.S. Duty-Free Threshold Ends Aug 29 — How to Avoid Surprises
🚨 The Big Change
From August 29, 2025, two major U.S. import policy changes take effect:
15% tariff on Japanese-origin goods
Introduced under the U.S.–Japan Strategic Trade & Investment Agreement announced July 23, 2025.
Applies to all Japanese imports, regardless of value or shipping method.
End of the $800 duty-free (de minimis) threshold
Courier parcels (DHL, FedEx, UPS) will be subject immediately to a 15% ad valorem duty.
Postal parcels (Japan Post) get a six-month transition: CBP will charge a flat duty per item—likely $80 for most Japanese-origin goods—until February 28, 2026. Higher-tariffs may apply for products whose origins are from China, they could face $160–$200 per item. After February 2026, normal ad valorem rates apply.
📦 New Rules by Shipping Method
Method | Aug 29, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | From Mar 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Courier (DHL/FedEx) | 15% duty on item value | 15% continues |
Postal (Japan Post) | Flat $80–$200 per item (based on origin) | 15% duty on item value |
🌏 Why Origin Matters More Than Ever
Customs duty is based on country of manufacture, not where the item is shipped from.
Made in Japan: Expected to be charged the lowest flat postal duty — around $80 per item during the transition.
Made in China: Could be charged up to $200 per item via postal.
Mixed origin shipments: Items assessed individually; high-tariff origins charged at higher flat rate.
🧸 Real-World Examples
Purchase | Origin | Value | Courier Duty (15%) | Postal Flat Duty (Aug 29, 2025 - Feb 26, 2026) | Cheaper Option (Transition) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keychain set | Japan | $30 | $4.50 | $80 | Courier |
Anime plushie (made in China) | China | $50 | $7.50 | $200 | Courier |
Limited figure (made in Japan) | Japan | $180 | $27.00 | $80 | Courier |
Kimono | Japan | $350 | $52.50 | $80 | Courier |
High-end headphones | China | $550 | $82.50 | $200 | Courier |
Designer handbag | Japan | $900 | $135.00 | $80 | Postal |
Bulk stationery order (Japan) | Japan | $150 | $22.50 | $80 | Courier |
✅ What You Can Do Now
Ship early: Send any items already in our warehouse before August 29.
Check the origin: Japanese-made high-value items may benefit from postal during the transition; China-made goods often cheaper via courier.
Plan shipments smartly: If you have multiple low-value items from China, postal may cost much more than courier during this period.
🔗 Official Sources
Rest assured, White Rabbit Japan is actively monitoring these sites and will update you accordingly if CBP releases new or revised guidance.
Disclaimer: This article reflects our interpretation of the most recent U.S. Customs announcements and related trade guidance. Rules can change, and duty amounts are determined by U.S. Customs at the time of import. We recommend checking directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection or your local customs broker for confirmation before making shipping decisions.