No more cheap imports: 'De minimis' exemption ends Aug. 29

Gone are the days of dirt-cheap online shopping, as a loophole that allowed some imported goods to avoid tariffs closes Aug. 29.

The de minimis exception allows for some import duties or fees to be waived if collecting the taxes would be inconvenient, which has allowed companies to ship packages valued at $800 or less to the U.S. without tariffs attached. Websites like Temu and Shein have benefited by selling ultra-low-cost, duty-free items directly to American consumers. The end of the exemption could spell higher costs for clothing and beauty items and may also lead to supply constraints.