Buying From Overseas? Here's What Tariffs You'll Pay in 2026
Founder, USTariffCalc.com · LinkedIn
86 million Americans ordered goods from overseas platforms in 2025. In 2026, most of those orders now carry import duties — whether the seller discloses it at checkout or not.
The $800 Rule (De Minimis)
For most countries, personal purchases valued at $800 or less are duty-free. This applies to online orders, gifts received from abroad, and items you bring back from travel.
The exception: China. Packages from China face duties regardless of value. There is no duty-free threshold for Chinese goods anymore.
When You Won't Pay Duties
Your order is under $800 AND it's not from China. That's it. A $500 watch from Japan? Duty-free. A $200 handbag from Italy? Duty-free. A $10 phone case from China? Taxed.
When You Will Pay Duties
Any order from China regardless of value. Plus any order from any country over $800. The duty rate depends on what you're buying — clothing is taxed higher than electronics, for example.
Common Personal Import Scenarios
✅ Duty-Free Examples
In brief
- →$800 de minimis exemption still applies for non-China shipments
- →China shipments: every package taxed regardless of value
- →Personal imports over $2,500 require formal customs entry (use a broker)
- →Gifts are not duty-free — the
00/$200 gift exemption applies only to postal shipments
$300 sneakers from UK retailer — under $800, not China
$150 skincare from Japan — under $800, not China
$750 electronics from South Korea — under $800, not China
❌ Duties Apply
$15 case from Temu — China, de minimis eliminated
$50 dress from Shein — China, de minimis eliminated
$1,200 watch from Switzerland — over $800 threshold
Traveling? The $800 Exemption for Travelers
US residents returning from abroad can bring up to $800 worth of goods duty-free (per person). This is separate from the mail/package de minimis. Items over $800 are subject to duties, though a flat 3% rate applies to the next $1,000 for most goods.
Will Your Order Be Taxed?
Check With De Minimis Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay tariffs on gifts from overseas?
Gifts under $100 from non-China countries are duty-free. Gifts from China face duties regardless. Gifts over $100 follow the standard $800 de minimis rule.
How do I pay the duty on a personal package?
The shipping carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS) will bill you at delivery. Some carriers charge a brokerage fee ($5-15) in addition to the duty amount.