USA: End of de minimis exemption from 29.08.2025 – how to send a gift duty-free?

From August 29, 2025, the de minimis customs exemption for most shipments to the USA will be removed. That means that parcels coming from outside the USA may be subject to duties and taxes.

The only exception applies to gifts, provided they meet the criteria of a bona fide gift.

When is a gift duty-free?

• Up to 100 USD per person per day – on a single day, you can send a gift worth no more than 100 USD to one recipient.

• Item category – GIFT – In the shipment purpose field, select “Gift”.

• Parcel marking – add on the package the description:“unsolicited gift”.

• From a private person to a private person – the exemption applies only to private shipments (it does not cover purchases from online stores).

Attention: If the value of the gift for one person exceeds 100 USD, the entire parcel will be subject to duty.

How to send a parcel to the USA with Meest Post (step by step)?

1. Pack the gift in a box – securely and carefully.

2. Prepare a contents list with real values (make sure it is ≤ 100 USD).

3. In the shipping form, select shipment purpose “Gift”.

4. Mark the parcel – write on the box: “unsolicited gift”.

5. Send the parcel to the USA – Meest Post will take care of the rest.

Do you have questions? Contact us – we’ll help you prepare your parcel correctly so that it meets the exemption rules and reaches the recipient without extra customs charges.