U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued official guidance implementing recent changes to tariff structures on imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The changes follow a Presidential Executive Order signed May 12, 2025, and go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on May 14, 2025.
This move significantly adjusts the landscape for importers by reducing a key reciprocal tariff and updating critical rules around international mail and de minimis exemptions.
Key Tariff Changes
CBP will begin assessing a 10% ad valorem duty on imported goods from China (including Hong Kong and Macau) entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse on or after May 14. This tariff, filed under HTS code 9903.01.25, replaces the previous 125% reciprocal tariff, which is now suspended for 90 days under the terms of the Executive Order.
Importers should also discontinue use of HTS code 9903.01.63 as it will no longer apply.
In addition to the revised reciprocal tariff, certain goods from China and Hong Kong will continue to face a 20% additional duty related to efforts to curb the synthetic opioid supply chain. These duties are governed by Executive Orders 14195 and 14228.
Major Updates to De Minimis and International Mail Shipments
The May 12 Executive Order also impacts how shipments valued at or under $800 are handled when arriving through international mail channels:
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New Duty on International Mail: Products arriving via international mail from China or Hong Kong and valued at $800 or less will now face:
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A 54% ad valorem duty, or
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A flat $100 fee per package
— replacing previous de minimis treatment.
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This change aligns with modifications to Executive Orders 14256 and 14257, which specifically target small parcel shipments tied to opioid-related trade enforcement.
Additionally, as of May 2, 2025, goods associated with the synthetic opioid supply chain no longer qualify for de minimis duty exemptions, regardless of value or shipping method. These shipments must now be processed under formal entry types such as Type 01 or Type 11 in CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and are subject to all applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
What Importers Should Do Now
Sobel Net recommends that importers and customs brokers take immediate action to ensure compliance:
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Review tariff classifications for all goods originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
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Update customs entry processes to reflect the new HTS codes and duty rates.
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Audit eCommerce and postal shipments that may be affected by the revised de minimis guidelines.
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Consult CBP directly with any questions or issues:
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Tariff-related inquiries: [email protected]
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eCommerce/de minimis questions: [email protected]
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Looking Ahead
These policy shifts reflect ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations and heightened scrutiny around product origin and supply chain transparency. While the 10% reciprocal tariff offers temporary relief from more punitive rates, broader compliance challenges persist—especially for eCommerce operators relying on small parcel deliveries.
Sobel Net will continue to monitor further developments and share updates as they become available.
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