Shipments under $800 USD, duty and customs exemption to the US ends - Cosmetics, Food
Introduction
For many companies that exported to the US quickly and easily by making low-value shipments, 2025 was an important turning point. Now, even shipments under 800 dollars are excluded from the " de minimis " exemption. This means that every shipment, regardless of value, now requires full customs declaration, tax and FDA compliance checks.
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.
Therefore, companies need to revise their export plans according to the new cost structure.
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.
At this point, the FDA Label & Formulation Compliance Review has become mandatory for your product to enter the US market smoothly.
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
