Residents in California are encountering unexpected financial burdens when ordering imports online due to recent changes in tariff regulations. Specifically, consumers like Ventura County resident Carlos Soto have reported receiving hefty additional charges upon delivery. Soto, who purchased a Liverpool Football Club jersey for approximately $150, was shocked to find a bill for $107 that the delivery driver insisted must be paid before he could receive his package.
This sudden change follows a policy reversal by former President Donald Trump in August 2023, which eliminated the longstanding de minimis exception. Previously, this rule allowed goods valued at less than $800 to enter the United States duty-free, significantly benefiting online shoppers. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in 2024 alone, over 1.3 billion packages benefited from this exemption.
As news of these unexpected charges spreads, social media platforms are filled with reports from frustrated customers. Many are voicing grievances about surprise fees on items ranging from mouse pads to bridesmaid dresses. One Reddit user even reported a staggering $4,700 tariff on a specialized desk chair imported from Bulgaria.
Delivery companies are grappling with the fallout from the new tariff regime. UPS, FedEx, and DHL have launched resources to help consumers navigate the changes. Despite these efforts, many customers remain confused and overwhelmed by the new obligations. UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer explained that if either the shipper or receiver has not settled the necessary duties and taxes, UPS generates a bill for the customer to clear customs.
In a webinar for clients, Mark Hartlidge, a small package compliance manager at UPS, described the changes as a “rollercoaster ride.” He stated, “If you import anything to the United States, you most likely have been impacted. These changes can be very difficult to understand.”
Smaller businesses exporting directly to the U.S. are often less equipped to inform consumers about these additional costs. For instance, David Herr, a classic car restorer from Washington, D.C., ordered an auto part from Belgium for around $200 but was blindsided by a delivery charge of $493. Herr expressed confusion about the fee collection process, stating, “There’s not a lot of clarity on who’s collecting them and where they’re going.”
Some online retailers are attempting to reassure customers regarding import fees. Shein, based in Singapore, promotes a guarantee that the price at checkout is the final price for the product. Similarly, Temu claims that its customers face “no import charges for all local warehouse items and no extra charges upon delivery.”
The ongoing changes have led consumers like Meg Moore from Chicago to rethink their shopping habits. Moore had considered purchasing a $365 beauty product advent calendar from a London-based brand but opted against it, calculating that tariffs would add at least $100 to the total cost.
The de minimis rule, which translates to “something of little importance,” was established in 1938 to stimulate trade by simplifying the import process. The exemption threshold was gradually raised over the years, with the current limit set at $800. Former President Trump criticized the rule, labeling it a “scam” that undermines American businesses and allows unchecked goods into the country. His administration eliminated the exemption for goods from China in May 2023 and extended the changes to other nations in August 2023.
While documents and gifts valued under $100 remain exempt from import taxes, consumers like Soto are left navigating a landscape that has become more complex and costly. After sending back the Liverpool jersey to avoid the added fee, Soto is still waiting for a refund. He remarked, “When it comes to politics and government, I’ve always kind of turned away from it. But this time it actually hurt my pocket.”