Important information for shipments to the USA

The United States has suspended its worldwide customs exemptions for commercial items with a goods value of up to USD 800. Every item must now be customs-cleared regardless of its value. This change came into effect on 29 August 2025.

On 20 February 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority and that the previously imposed tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. On the same day, the tariffs based on IEEPA were ended by executive order and replaced with a temporary 10% import surcharge, effective for 150 days from 24 February 2026. A further increase of this surcharge has already been announced, although official details are not yet available.

Current situation:

• The duty-free import of goods under USD 800 from all countries has been suspended.

• Every item must be customs-cleared regardless of its value.

• Gift items from private individuals to private individuals with a goods value of up to USD 100 that are declared as “gift” remain exempt from duty.

• The shipment of documents remains fully unrestricted.

• Business customers can use a PDDP shipping solution: more at post.at/paket-international-pddp

Additional information is available online:
Overview of US customs duties - Austrian Chamber of Commerce
Ending Certain Tariff Actions – The White House

We will of course keep you informed of any further developments.

(Status 24 February 2026)