Introduction
In this space we will explain which are the measures that came into force on April 21 and that we must take into account when sending parcels to the United States.
What changed?
As you may have heard, the Trump administration has been implementing some changes regarding tariffs imposed on products from different countries and has issued several executive orders eliminating “de minimis” treatment for products whose country of origin is China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Now, we knew that a package could enter U.S. territory (with some payment of taxes), if its customs value was between USD 800 and USD 2,499 but without the need of formal import processes (broker).
This undoubtedly gave us a wide margin for action since the release processes for packages with these values were fast, simplified and very easy for the recipients (or importers), which undoubtedly greatly boosted international trade.
This has changed and as of April 21, 2025, shipments from all countries with a value greater than USD 800 now require brokerage or formal entry into the United States. Let us remember that previously the limit for this to happen was USD 2,500 and we must be very careful because if the recipient is a company, it will be able to manage the formal import process more easily, but what if it is an individual?
Most likely you will not be able to complete the customs process and the merchandise may end up being declared abandoned or returned to its country of origin with the associated costs.
All of these changes are being implemented under international economic emergency powers (IEEPA), and although the reciprocal tariff pause for some countries is still in effect, the new formal entry requirement for all shipments with a customs value above USD 800 is in effect.
What should I do if I am a natural person who wants to ship to the United States?
If you are a natural person and the purpose of your shipment is a gift, a sample or, why not, an international sale, you must take into account this change in the import process depending on the declared value of your merchandise.
If your shipment is declared for a value lower than USD 800 you will NOT have any problem, but if your shipment has a value higher than this we recommend the following:
1- Validate if the person you are sending the package to in the USA is also a natural person or a company.
2- If you are an individual, divide or split your shipment so that each shipment does not exceed USD 800.
3- If it is a legal entity (company) contact first to see if they have the knowledge and the facility to have a broker and perform the formal import processes.
4- Ask for advice from expert companies in foreign trade so that your shipment arrives at its destination without problems. Remember that Courier regulations guarantee a door-to-door delivery of all packages so we will always look for the best way to make this happen.
Conclusion
Foreign trade has important changes that we must always be aware of so that our international shipments are NOT affected, or at least have the least possible impact.
If you do not want to or cannot incur in additional customs processes such as hiring a broker (or customs agency), we recommend that you keep in mind the changes in regulations not only in the United States but also in the rest of the world so that your packages are not negatively impacted and above all, so that the recipient can finally receive them.
A good foreign trade consultancy and a good company for your shipments are key for you to be able to ship with confidence, increase your shipments abroad and, above all, obtain that income in dollars that can be very attractive for your enterprise or company.
