Tax and customs exemptions for shipments valued under 800 USD to the U.S. have ended; Cosmetics, Food
Introduction
In the U.S., the “de minimis” exemption period has effectively come to an end for shipments valued at less than $800. For many companies that rely on low-value shipments for fast and easy exports, 2025 has therefore become a turning point. Now, even shipments valued at less than $800 are no longer covered by the “de minimis” exemption. This means that every shipment, regardless of value, now requires a full customs declaration, payment of duties, and FDA compliance checks. Our article on U.S. tax filing consulting may be helpful.
This change is especially important for Turkish manufacturers exporting cosmetics, food and supplements. Now, not only the quality of production but also the professional management of certification, labeling and customs processes determine success.
What Has the New Regulation Changed?
Previously, shipments under 800 USD could enter the US with tax and customs exemptions.
But with the new regulation:
- Every shipment requires full declaration and customs registration,
- Customs duty and handling fees apply to all shipments,
- FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) can now inspect even small packages.
This necessitates a more structured process for manufacturers shipping small batches, for example via Amazon or Shopify.
Effects for Cosmetics, Food and Supplements
1. Increase in Costs
Now for all shipments:
- Customs duties,
- Broker (customs broker) fees,
- Declaration costs are applied per shipment.
For this reason, companies need to revise their export plans in line with the new cost structure. In addition to the expiration of the exemption, we discussed the new tariff tier set to take effect in the summer of 2026 and its impact on landed costs in our article on Amazon U.S. customs duties.
2. Increased Compliance and Audit
FDA and US customs, every product:
- Content security,
- Label accuracy,
- Product classification (e.g. cosmetics or pharmaceuticals?)
.
3. Document Management and Traceability
Manufacturers are now obliged to prepare the following:
- FDA facility registration (Food Facility Registration),
- FCE & SID numbers (for canned and acidic foods),
- GMP certificates,
- Analysis reports (microbiological, metal, pesticide),
- Label compliance documentation.
Cosmetic Products: Even Sample Shipments Now Subject to Customs Duties
For cosmetics companies, this change particularly affects manufacturers that ship samples to Amazon, Etsy or directly to US distributors. Even "test-only shipments" now require a full customs declaration.
Under the FDA's cosmetic inspections:
- INCI (international content names) must be spelled correctly,
- Claims (anti-aging, dermatological, etc.) must be scientifically supported,
- Allergen declaration and warnings must be complete.
Bu noktada FDA Etiket ve Formülasyon Uyum İncelemesi (Label & Formulation Compliance Review), ürününüzün ABD’de pazara sorunsuz girmesi için zorunlu hale gelmiştir.
New Requirements for Food and Supplements
For companies that will ship food and supplements to the US in the post-2025 period:
FDA Prior Notice
Prior notification to the FDA must be made for each shipment.
If no notification is made, the products are held at the port or destroyed.
FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program)
Companies importing to the US:
- GMP and HACCP compliance of producer facilities,
- Results of analysis,
- Audit reports
must be documented.
Labeling
In accordance with FDA standards:
- Nutrition Facts / Supplement Facts Panel,
- Allergen Declaration,
- Accurate nutritional values and claims
should be included on labels.
Recommendations for Exporters
Consolidate your shipments:
Schedule bulk shipments instead of small batches.
Get labels checked:
Get a professional FDA label compliance review for the US market.
Strengthen supplier documentation:
Keep all documentation (GMP, analysis, COA) in your production chain ready.
Get Customs and FDA consultancy:
Professionally conduct inspection, registration and declaration processes.
Conclusion
The abolition of the "De Minimis" rule has opened a new chapter for Turkish exporters. Now, exporting to the US requires not only production but also regulatory, customs and labeling management expertise.
We, as Export Partners Turkey;
- FDA Registration & FCE/SID application,
- Label and Formulation Compliance Review,
- US Customs Records and Customs Bond,
- We offer one-stop support to manufacturers in U.S. Agent Representation areas
Other guides in this series regarding the de minimis exemption
This guide is part of a series explaining FDA processes for exporting to the U.S. Other related guides:
- Amazon's Compliance with MOCRA and FDA Regulations for Cosmetics Sales in the U.S.
- Market Access Certificate Support for Food and Cosmetics Exports
- FDA Registration, GMP, and Customs for Vegetable Oil Exports
- For support with registration and certification, please see our FDA registration and certification services.
