De Minimis Loophole Trend 2026

The de minimis loophole permits duty-free entry for low-value imported goods, typically under $800 in the U.S., bypassing customs taxes and inspections. Used heavily by e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, it lets sellers ship packages directly to consumers, avoiding tariffs. This benefits online retailers and cost-conscious shoppers, but critics argue it undermines domestic businesses and erodes tax revenue.