What You Must Know: 2025 US Customs Duties & Import Fees

Starting May 2, 2025, the United States will remove the de minimis exemption for shipments from China and Hong Kong. Consequently, even low-value orders will face US customs duties. Moreover, you will pay either a 120 % duty on item value or a $100 processing fee per shipment. This fee rises to $200 in June.

US Customs Duties 2025: De Minimis Exemption Removal

The CBP confirms that all air shipments from China & Hong Kong after May 2 (ET) are affected. In addition, other countries may follow in later phases.

Read our full shipping policy →

What Is the De Minimis Exemption Removal?

Previously, shipments under $800 entered duty-free. However, the new order removes this for China/HK imports. Therefore, even small jewelry orders incur formal entry procedures and import fees.

120 % Duty & $100 Processing Charge Explained

• US import fees: 120 % duty based on declared value
• Customs processing charge US: $100 flat fee (rising to $200 in June)
• CBP duties: Calculated per HTSUS code for jewelry

How US Customs Duties Affect Our Jewelry Shipments

• $9.60 customs processing fee: Applied per item to cover minimum CBP charges
• T86 clearance suspension: No duty-free clearance under $800 after May 2
• Fee timeline: Shipping costs rose by $9.60 since April 24 to cover new procedures

Alternatives to DHL Express US Shipments

• Standard postal services with full tracking to mitigate customs delays
• Extended delivery: 14–21 days versus 5–7 days with DHL Express
• Package consolidation: Combine items to reduce per-shipment fees

Potential Price Adjustments for US Market

• $5 per item increase: To offset new duties and fees
• Pre-adjustment order window: Lock current prices by ordering before May 15, 2025

Why These Regulations Are Changing

These measures aim to tighten trade and support domestic jewelry production. Moreover, they close import loopholes. Consequently, cross-border e-commerce faces higher costs and complexity.

Broader Impact on Small E-Commerce Businesses

Small direct-to-consumer brands face severe margin pressure as tariffs climb. In addition, rising import costs erode profits for those without bulk-buy discounts. Therefore, many must rethink sourcing strategies.

Furthermore, economists warn tariffs could shave up to four percentage points off GDP. As a result, small businesses—responsible for 44 % of GDP and 110 M jobs—are especially vulnerable to order cancellations and tighter credit.

A recent survey shows that 25 % of imports are at risk due to current tariffs. Consequently, niche e-commerce sellers face uncertainty when duty rates fluctuate. Dropshippers also confront new compliance burdens. Therefore, they may need to overhaul fulfillment models or absorb full clearance costs.

Action Steps for Small Sellers

• Negotiate improved FOB pricing with suppliers before duties apply.
• Build small inventory buffers ahead of further fee hikes.
• Explore domestic consolidation centers to reduce cross-border shipments.
• Communicate fees and delays transparently to customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is US import fee for jewelry in 2025?

Either 120 % of declared value or $100 (→ $200 in June). We simplify this to $9.60 per item for our customers.

What is CBP processing fee for jewelry imports?

The CBP fee varies by method and value. We've bundled the minimum fee into our $9.60 charge.

When will DHL Express resume US shipments?

No resumption date yet. However, we’ll update our shipping options immediately when available.

Will these changes affect return shipments?

No. These customs changes do not affect our return policy. You can return items as usual following our standard return instructions.

Practical Tips for Navigating US Customs Duties

• HTSUS code for our stainless steel jewelry: Classified under 7117.19 (Imitation jewelry of base metal).
• Prepare documentation: Keep invoices and confirmations ready for customs.
• Track customs status: Our tracking now shows customs clearance updates.
• Respond to notices: Contact customer service for any customs queries.

What Jewelry Buyers Should Do

• Order soon: Place orders before price adjustments on stainless steel jewelry.
• Stay updated: Subscribe to our newsletter.
• Contact us: See our shipping policy for details
• Combine orders: Reduce per-shipment fees

Looking Forward

• US-based fulfillment for top-sellers
• Partnerships with specialized customs brokers
• Industry advocacy for smoother implementation
• Specialized shipping services to offset new fees

Our handcrafted jewelry remains our passion. Therefore, we’re committed to delivering value despite evolving US customs duties.

Expert Sources on US Customs Changes

• Investopedia – De Minimis Exemption Rule
• Business Insider – How Tariffs Affect Jewelry Prices
• Reuters – U.S. Chinatowns Merchants & Tariff Impact
• National Jeweler – Guide to 2025 Jewelry Import Tariffs
• JCK Online – Tariffs Roil Global Jewelry Markets
• UPS – 2025 US Tariffs & Global Trade Impact
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Import Basics