CBP Enforcing End of De Minimis Loophole, Strengthening Trade Enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began enforcing President Donald Trump’s Executive Order ending the de minimis loophole. This decisive action shuts down a pathway long exploited by criminals to move fentanyl, counterfeit goods, and unvetted imports into the United States without duties.

Ninety-five percent of all de minimis shipments are handled by either general cargo carriers or express shippers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Industry has already adapted to the changes with minimal interruption. Postal operators, including Royal Mail, have resumed shipments after brief system updates, proving the process works.

“CBP is ready to enforce,” said Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Rodney Scott. “For too long, this loophole handed criminal networks a free pass to flood America with fentanyl, fake goods, and illegal shipments. Those days are over. We are securing the border, restoring fairness to trade, and protecting American families.”

Ending the de minimis loophole follows months of public notice and preparation. In April, President Trump announced the suspension of de minimis for China and Hong Kong, effective May 2nd, and he unequivocally indicated that he would suspend de minimis globally once the Secretary of Commerce informed him that adequate systems were in place for worldwide enforcement. In July, after being informed that adequate systems were in place, the president ordered the suspension of de minimis globally, effective August 29th.

“This change has been months in the making, and we are fully prepared to implement it,” said Susan S. Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade. “Foreign carriers and postal operators were given clear timelines, detailed guidance, and multiple options to comply. The only thing ending on August 29 is the pathway that has been used by criminals to exploit America’s borders.”

The de minimis loophole had grown into a global pipeline for illicit trade: Shipments skyrocketed from 134 million in 2015 to 1.36 billion in 2024 — more than 4 million packages every day. In FY 2024 alone, de minimis shipments accounted for:

• 98% of narcotics seizures by case count
• 97% of counterfeit goods seizures — totaling over 31 million fake items
• 77% of health and safety seizures, including weapons parts and fentanyl precursors

Investigators found fentanyl in international mail averaging over 90% purity, compared to less than 10% at the land border.

Americans will continue receiving goods from overseas —now through secure, lawful channels. Personal letters, bona fide gifts under $100, and personal travel items under $200 remain unaffected under long-standing exemptions. When the de minimis loophole was ended for China and Hong Kong earlier this year, the industry adapted quickly with no disruption to legitimate shipments. Only 5% of de minimis shipments entered through the mail; the rest already moved through commercial carriers.

President Trump acted years ahead of the statutory repeal set for 2027 because American lives, workers, and businesses could not wait.

“With this action, we are putting secure, lawful trade first,” Thomas said. “The message is clear: America’s borders are not open to criminals or counterfeiters — and CBP is ready to enforce the law.”