Here is a summary of Executive Order 14388:
What this executive order does: This Executive Order continues the suspension of "duty-free de minimis treatment" for imported goods from all countries. This means that low-value shipments entering the United States, which previously might have been exempt from import duties and taxes, will now be subject to those charges. The order specifically details how duties will be collected for shipments sent through the international postal network.
Key actions or directives: Continues the suspension of the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed most shipments valued under a certain amount to enter the U.S. without import duties. Directs that all such shipments, regardless of value, country of origin, or how they are shipped (except through the international postal network), will now be subject to applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Establishes a specific duty collection process and rate for international postal shipments, requiring carriers to collect and remit duties based on a separate, concurrent Proclamation, until a new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process is implemented. Requires the country of origin and value to be declared for international postal shipments. Instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement these changes, effective February 24, 2026. Who is affected and how: Importers and Consumers: Anyone importing goods into the U.S., particularly low-value items, will likely face additional costs due to newly applied duties and taxes that were previously waived under the de minimis exemption. This applies to shipments from all countries. Transportation Carriers: Companies transporting international postal shipments to the U.S. are now required to collect and remit these new duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP is directed to collect these duties and implement new entry processes for shipments, including international postal ones. Legal authority cited: The order cites the President's authority under the Constitution and U.S. laws, specifically mentioning the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act, section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code. The President states these actions are necessary to deal with national emergencies previously declared in several earlier Executive Orders.
