WASHINGTON—To close a loophole that Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu and Shein can exploit to evade tariffs, the White House announced on Sept. 13 that it would exclude low-value imports subject to tariffs from qualifying for a fast-track customs process.
Known as the de minimis rule, imports under the $800 threshold can enter the United States free of duties and taxes. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also inspects these products minimally. The low-value package exemption was created for individuals to avoid paperwork and tariffs on items for personal use, not for commercial transactions.
