What is a De Minimis threshold?
A de minimis threshold refers to the maximum value at which imported goods can enter a country duty‑free and without full customs procedures. These thresholds vary widely from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, impacting international shoppers, ecommerce sellers, and cross‑border trade strategies. In 2025, several countries maintain notably high de minimis limits.
Let’s explore the 10 highest thresholds worldwide, their implications, and what exporters and consumers should know.
Top 10 countries with the highest De minimis thresholds in 2025
1. United States - USD 800
- The U.S. maintained one of the highest de minimis limits in the world at $800, allowing most international parcels valued less to enter without duties. That changed in 2025: China and Hong Kong shipments lost the exemption starting May 2, with full global elimination set for August 29, 2025.
- Despite the policy shift, $800 remains the published threshold and influenced global trade strategy through most of 2024–2025.
2. Australia - AUD 1,000 (~US $670–700)
- Australia’s customs allow duty-free entry of goods under A$1,000, making it one of the most generous developed nations. GST still applies, collected at checkout or entry point.
3. New Zealand - NZD 1,000 (~US $600)
- New Zealand also offers a NZ$1,000 duty-free de minimis limit. Like Australia, imports below this are exempt from customs duties, though 15% GST applies.
4. Singapore - SGD 400 (~US $290–300)
- Singapore applies a de minimis threshold of S$400 for both duty and GST (9%). Ecommerce sellers with significant volume must register and collect GST proactively.
5. Thailand - THB 1,500 (~US $1,200 in 2024; then reduced temporarily)
- Thailand originally had a high threshold of THB 1,500 (~US $1,200), though in 2024–2025 it was temporarily reduced to THB 1,000 to impose VAT/GST on low‑value imports. The higher limit placed it among the top before changes.
6. Saudi Arabia - SAR 1,000 (~US $266)
- Saudi Arabia allows duty‑free imports up to SAR 1,000, exempting customs duties, though VAT/taxes may still apply.
7. Taiwan - TWD 2,000 (~US $60–70)
- Taiwan has a threshold of TWD 2,000, applying to both duties and goods & services tax (GST), placing it in the higher mid‑range globally.
8. Russia - €200 (~US $220)
- Russian personal imports enjoy a threshold of €200 per shipment and up to 31 kg. Imports exceeding this are heavily taxed (~30%).
9. Philippines - PHP 10,000 (~US $180)
- The Philippines raised its de minimis threshold to PHP 10,000 (~US $180), charging both VAT and sometimes a processing fee for e‑commerce shipments above that value.
10. Mexico - USD 50 for duty / USD 117 for duty‑free from U.S./Canada
- Under USMCA, Mexico allows USD 117 duty‑free for goods from the U.S. and Canada, though VAT applies above USD 50; the general threshold is USD 50 for other origins.
2025 trends and policy changes
U.S. ends global De Minimis (August 29, 2025)
Effective August 29, 2025, the U.S. eliminates the $800 exemption for all countries, following prior elimination for China/Hong Kong from May 2. Shipments will incur duties or flat‑rate tariffs ($80–200) for six months, then fully ad‑valorem duties.
Vietnam cuts its threshold (Feb 18, 2025)
Vietnam abolished any de minimis exemption for goods under VND 1 million (~US $40) via express delivery on February 18, 2025.
Thailand adjusts VAT policy
Thailand’s threshold lowered temporarily to THB 1,000 from THB 1,500, effective from July 2024 into all 2025, impacting previously generous limits.
Japan considering changes
Japan’s de minimis limit of JPY 10,000 (~US $70) is under review as part of the 2025 tax reform proposal, though not yet changed.
2025 De Minimis summary table by countries
| Rank | Country | Threshold Value |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
United States |
USD 800 (phasing out globally) |
|
2 |
Australia |
AUD 1,000 (USD 670~700) |
|
3 |
New Zealand |
NZD 1,000 (USD 600) |
|
4 |
Singapore |
SGD 400 (USD 290~300) |
|
5 |
Thailand |
THB 1,500 (USD 1,200; reduced) |
|
6 |
Saudi Arabia |
SAR 1,000 (USD 266) |
|
7 |
Taiwan |
TWD 2,000 (USD 60~70) |
|
8 |
Russia |
€200 (USD 220) |
|
9 |
Philippines |
PHP 10,000 (USD 180) |
|
10 |
Mexico |
US $117 (from US/Canada); US $50 otherwise |
What this means for you
- Ecommerce sellers targeting countries like Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand benefit from higher tax-free limits and reduced duties, which encourage cross-border orders.
- Consumers/shoppers can order from abroad up to each country’s threshold before duties apply.
- Businesses should monitor policy changes: as the U.S. eliminates its $800 exemption and locales like Vietnam repeal theirs, thresholds can shift rapidly, impacting logistics and pricing.
Conclusion
In 2025, the countries with the highest de minimis thresholds are (in descending order): the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Russia, the Philippines, and Mexico, with Canada and others as close contenders.
These thresholds reflect trade policy, tax strategy, and ecommerce priorities. However, global changes like the U.S. phasing out its $800 exemption and Southeast Asian nations adjusting theirs underscore the importance of staying updated.
