Starting August 29, 2025, the US has ended its $800 "de minimis" exemption for low-value imports via an executive order. This means almost all parcels (except gifts under $100 or personal items under $200 carried by travelers) will now face import duties. 1 Duties are based on the item's country of origin, not where it's shipped from. 2
For Royal Mail business shippers:
- US export services were temporarily withdrawn but replaced by a new "Postal Delivery Duties Paid" (PDDP) option from August 28. 2
- Postage rates remain unchanged, but you'll now pay:
- Royal Mail handles payment to US Customs and invoices you afterward. 2
This could add 10%+ to your costs depending on item value/origin, so factor it in for US buyers. 2 Check Royal Mail's guide for full details.
Its bad enough all the forms and paperwork we have to do already, and which we don't charge for either. People & industry haven't recovered from the whole covid thing yet. Ramping up tax IMHO isn't a great idea right now.