The U.S. de minimis tax exemption officially ended in 2025, changing the way international online shopping works for customers in the United States.
This means that all imports—regardless of value—are now subject to customs clearance and applicable tariffs. If you frequently shop from overseas stores like Japan, it’s important to understand how this affects your delivery times and total costs.
What Was the De Minimis Tax Exemption?
Under the previous policy, packages valued under $800 USD were exempt from import duties and taxes when entering the United States.
This “de minimis” rule simplified international shopping by allowing small orders to bypass customs and arrive faster.
Now that the exemption has ended, every imported item must go through customs inspection and tariff assessment. While this adds an extra step to the process, reputable international retailers—including Omakase—have adapted to ensure a smooth shopping experience.
How This Change Affects Online Orders from Japan
For U.S. customers ordering from Japan, including through Omakase Tokyo, here’s what’s new:
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All shipments require customs clearance
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Import tariffs are now included in product prices – you won’t need to pay any additional fees upon delivery
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Processing time varies by product type due to different regulations
We collect and manage the necessary customs documentation and tariff fees in advance, so you can shop with confidence knowing that our prices are all-inclusive.
Why Shipping Delays May Occur
Since the policy change, U.S. Customs and the FDA have increased inspection requirements. As a result, delivery times can vary depending on the product category:
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Non-FDA regulated items (stationery, apparel, household goods) may clear customs more quickly
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FDA-regulated items (food, cosmetics, kitchenware, electronics) may experience longer processing due to additional safety documentation
Also, multiple-item orders can take longer to process than single-item shipments, as each product may require its own review.
