Lara GuevaraSupply Chain expert (Product and Service)

Small Parcels Are Not Safe Anymore

8 Oct 2025

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The U.S. is cracking down on duty-free shipments under $800, hitting DTC brands that ship small parcels from overseas. Expect more flagged packages, duties, and slower customs clearance during peak season. Brands need a backup plan: bonded imports, warehousing, or local fulfillment.

Small shipments are not safe anymore. The Minimis rule, the one that lets brands ship under 800 duty free, is under fire. So for years TTC brands relied on shipping small parcels direct from overseas to US customers without paying duties. It kept prices low, but now regulations are tightening the rules and more packages are being flagged. Duties are applied and some categories are losing exceptions entirely. This means higher landed cost you didn't plan, slower customs clearance and unpredictable margin right before bfcm. If you're a DTC brand relying on small parcel shipping, you need a Plan B, whether that's bonded, warehouse, local, 3 PLs, or smarter tariff strategies. I'll put together a quick cheat sheet with alternatives so you're not caught off guard. Link in Comments.