What You Pay on Packages From China: US and EU Rules

For years, small parcels from China could arrive without import duty. That has now changed in the two largest markets. These rules keep moving, so treat this as a starting point and check your country's customs authority before a big order. This page was last checked in November 2026.

United States

The $800 duty-free allowance, known as de minimis, was suspended for goods from China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, and for all countries on August 29, 2025. The Supreme Court's February 2026 ruling on tariffs did not bring it back, and in August 2026 the Court of International Trade upheld the president's power to end the exemption.

In practice, assume that a parcel coming from China owes duty, whatever its value. Rates have changed several times, so we do not quote one here.

European Union

From July 1, 2026, goods in parcels worth under €150 no longer enter duty free. An interim flat duty of €3 applies per item category, and it is scheduled to run until July 2028. VAT was already charged on these imports before this change.

How to avoid a surprise bill

• Look for a local warehouse. If an item ships from inside your country, the import is usually already handled and included in the price.
• Find out who pays duties. Check the checkout page for "duties included" or similar wording. If it is not stated, you may be billed on delivery.
• Compare landed cost. A price that looks cheaper from overseas can end up higher than the local listing once duty and fees are added.

Other countries

Rules differ a lot elsewhere, including across the Middle East and Africa. Check your national customs site for the current threshold and the rules on goods containing batteries.