U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on December 17 that it has collected more than $1 billion in duties from over 246 million low-value shipments since the federal government began phasing out the de minimis exemption earlier this year.
The milestone comes just months after the Trump Administration initiated the rollback of de minimis, a policy that previously allowed qualifying low-value imports to enter the U.S. duty-free. The phaseout began on May 2, 2025, when shipments from China and Hong Kong were excluded from the exemption, and was fully implemented worldwide on August 29, 2025, eliminating de minimis entirely.
“Reaching the $1 billion mark in such a short time underscores how much revenue was previously going uncollected under the old framework,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
Beyond revenue recovery, CBP reports a significant improvement in enforcement outcomes. Since the removal of de minimis eligibility for China and Hong Kong, seizures of unsafe and non-compliant goods have increased by 82%. These seizures include counterfeit merchandise, narcotics, defective electronics, and products containing hazardous materials.
“With greater visibility into low-value shipment data, CBP is better positioned to identify and disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling drugs, counterfeit goods, and other illegal products,” said Susan S. Thomas, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for CBP’s Office of Trade. “This enhanced oversight plays a critical role in strengthening national safety and supply chain integrity.”
CBP continues to provide guidance and resources to importers navigating the evolving regulatory environment for low-value shipments. Additional information is available through CBP’s E-Commerce and De Minimis Frequently Asked Questions resources.
