The United States permanently scrapped its long-standing “de minimis” tariff exemption at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on 29 August, ending duty-free entry for packages valued under $800. The rule, raised to that threshold in 2015, had allowed an estimated 1.36 billion parcels worth about $64.6 billion to enter the country tariff-free in fiscal 2024. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will collect normal import duties on all parcels, offering foreign postal agencies a six-month transition during which they may pay a flat charge of $80, $160 or $200 per shipment, depending on the originating country’s tariff rate, before shifting to full ad-valorem collection by 28 February 2026. The White House said closing the loophole will curb fentanyl trafficking, level the playing field for American manufacturers and raise up to $10 billion a year in revenue. The policy change has already disrupted global mail flows. The Universal Postal Union said 25 countries have suspended at least some U.S.-bound parcel services while they retool duty-collection systems. Swiss Post halted shipments on 26 August, Japan Post followed on 27 August and Australia Post partially suspended business parcels two days earlier. Operators in France, Germany, Italy, India, South Africa, Mexico and others have announced similar pauses. E-commerce platforms and logistics firms are racing to adjust. eBay and Etsy told sellers that U.S. buyers will now bear additional import charges, and carriers such as UPS, FedEx and DHL have updated customs procedures. Analysts expect the new tariffs—typically 10% to 50% of declared value, or the flat-rate fees during the transition—to lift prices for American shoppers, increase paperwork for small overseas merchants and narrow the cost advantage enjoyed by fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu.