Overseas Shopping Total Cost Calculator
US $800 de minimis suspended (2025)
The $800 duty-free de minimis exemption was suspended for China/Hong Kong shipments effective May 2, 2025, then suspended globally for all non-postal imports effective August 29, 2025. The Megabill (signed July 4, 2025) permanently eliminates §321 de minimis fully effective July 1, 2027 — most overseas online purchases now incur duty plus formal-entry fees.
Apparel ~10–32%, electronics 0–6%, footwear 8–37%, watches 9.8–22%. Look up HTS code on hts.usitc.gov.
US median combined ~6.44% (Tax Foundation Jan 2026). Most states require self-reporting use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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How to use
- 1 Enter the item price in USD (convert from foreign currency at current exchange rate).
- 2 Enter international shipping cost. Many sellers now show this separately from item price.
- 3 Enter applicable duty rate. Find your HTSUS code at hts.usitc.gov: clothing 5-30%, electronics 0-5%, footwear 5-37%, watches 5-15%, books 0%.
- 4 Enter your state use tax rate (sales tax equivalent for online out-of-state purchases). 0% in NH, OR, MT, AK, DE; 6-10% most states.
- 5 Click Calculate to see merchandise cost, duty, brokerage fee ($25-$50), state tax, and grand total. Compare to domestic alternatives — often cheaper now.
About Overseas Shopping Total Cost Calculator
FAQ
Q Is the $800 de minimis still in effect for 2026?
NO. Section 321 de minimis was SUSPENDED globally on August 29, 2025 by Executive Order 14324. China/Hong Kong suspended earlier (May 2, 2025). Indefinitely extended February 2026. Megabill plans permanent elimination July 1, 2027. ALL imports now subject to duty + brokerage.
Q How much does my overseas order really cost in 2026?
Item + shipping + duty (5-30% standard) + 10% Trump surcharge + brokerage $25-$50 + state use tax (0-10%). A $50 dress + $5 shipping from China now totals roughly $95-$110 (vs $55 pre-2025). For China specifically, add 25-145% Section 301 tariffs on top.
Q What is HTSUS code and why does it matter?
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States — 10-digit code identifying every importable product. Determines duty rate (0-37% range). Now MANDATORY on every shipment regardless of value. Lookup at hts.usitc.gov. Wrong code = held shipments + penalties.
Q How much is the brokerage fee?
Carrier-dependent: FedEx, UPS, DHL typically $25-$50 per shipment for customs entry filing. USPS much cheaper ($5-$10). Some carriers waive for small/low-value if customer pre-pays duty online. Compare carriers before ordering.
Q Are books still duty-free?
Mostly YES — Berman Amendment (1982) prohibits duties on most books, periodicals, and informational materials regardless of country. So Amazon UK book imports still come duty-free, but you may still pay state use tax + brokerage.
Q What's the difference between duty and use tax?
DUTY: federal import tax based on HTSUS code. USE TAX: state tax equivalent of sales tax for online out-of-state purchases. Most states require self-reporting use tax annually if seller didn't collect. CA, NY, TX aggressively enforce use tax through credit card data.
Q Should I still buy from China in 2026?
Often NOT economical anymore. China-specific Section 301 tariffs (25-145%) PLUS new 10% global surcharge + duty + brokerage = often 60-100% above price. Check US sellers on Amazon, Walmart, etc. — many duty-free domestic alternatives exist.
Q How are USPS customs charges different?
USPS uses postal customs system (CN 22/23 declarations). Delivery takes longer but brokerage typically $5-$10 vs $25-$50 for private carriers. Letter mail under $800 may still pass through informal entry without brokerage if low-value items. Best for $50-$200 orders.
Official resources
CBP — De Minimis Suspension Information
US Customs and Border Protection official guidance on Section 321 de minimis suspension Aug 2025+.
USITC — Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS)
Official US International Trade Commission HTSUS lookup — find your 10-digit code and duty rate.
White House — Continuing De Minimis Suspension EO
White House Executive Order Feb 2026 indefinitely extending the de minimis suspension.
CBP — Importing Into the US Guide
US Customs and Border Protection comprehensive guide to formal import entry, ACE filing, and duties.