Use official US sources because the low-value rules changed materially
For 2026 planning, older blog posts that repeat the $800 de minimis rule can be misleading. CBP now states that duty-free de minimis treatment has been suspended, and CPSC eFiling is in effect for many regulated imported consumer products. This page links those primary sources so the service can update factual guidance without rewriting a generic “customs may apply” disclaimer.
What the 2026 de minimis change means for shoppers
Executive Order 14388, issued February 20, 2026 and effective for covered goods entered from February 24, continues the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment. A shipment is not duty-free merely because its value is below the former $800 threshold. The applicable duty, tax, fee and entry process depend on the goods and shipment method, so Proxy Japan should present import amounts separately rather than promise a universal low-value exemption.
CPSC eFiling is product-specific
CPSC states that, from July 8, 2026, importers of consumer products subject to CPSC certification requirements must electronically file certificate data. This does not mean every anime figure, camera or used collectible needs the same certificate. The service should identify regulated products, preserve the data needed for the importer, and avoid converting a targeted compliance rule into a generic checkout surcharge.
Information a US-bound order record should preserve
For unusual or high-value goods, a shopper may need a customs broker or specialist advice; a proxy guide should not guess an HTS classification when the product facts are insufficient.
- plain-language goods description that is specific enough for entry
- declared value tied to the actual purchase
- country of origin when known rather than assuming Japan because the seller is in Japan
- quantity and material/model details relevant to classification
- battery or regulated-product characteristics that can affect carrier/compliance workflow
Primary sources and verification
Time-sensitive fee or regulatory claims below are linked to the organization that publishes them. Re-check the source before paying or shipping because fees and import rules can change.
Verified August 21, 2026.
- White House — Executive Order 14388 The February 20, 2026 order continues the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for covered shipments regardless of value, origin, mode or entry method.
- CPSC — eFiling implementation CPSC states that eFiling became effective July 8, 2026 for imported consumer products subject to CPSC certification requirements.
- CPSC — certificate guidance CPSC explains which regulated products require certificates and the July 8, 2026 imported-product effective date.