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Overview of Bonded Customs Warehouse US

A bonded customs warehouse is a secure, CBP (Customs Border Protection) approved  facility with the US customs territory where imported dutiable goods can be stored for up to 5 years without immediate payment of duties, taxes, or fees. This defers these costs until the goods are withdrawn “released” for entry into the US domestic market, improving cashflow and allowing time for sales or processing decisions. Goods can also be exported duty-free or manipulated e.g. repackaged or cleaned under supervision without triggering payments. There are 11 classes of bonded warehouses, e.g. Class 2 for private use, Class 3 for public use, with most importers using private or public storage types. 


Key benefits 
  • Duty/Tax Deferral: Pay only upon domestic release; rates apply as of withdrawn “release” date, not date of import. 
  • Flexibility: Store indefinitely, sort/manipulate goods, or export without duties; ideal for seasonal/high-value items. 
  • Compliance Support: CBP (Customs Border Protection) oversight ensures security and prevents unauthorised use. 
If you are interested in using our bonded warehouse in the USA then please contact us at info@ezireturns.com. 


Useful links 

Overview of the De Minimus Threshold Abolition in the US

The US De Minimus threshold, established under Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (as amended), allowed low-value shipments (up to $800 USD per person per day) to enter the country duty-free, with minimal customs processing. This provision facilitated eCommerce by exempting billions in annual imports - primarily from platforms like Temu, Shein and AliExpress, from taxes, tariffs and formal entry requirements, however it was criticized for enabling the influx of unregulated goods, including counterfeit items, synthetic opioids, e.g. Fentanyl precursors from China, and products evading trade remedies. 

In 2025, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the threshold was effectively abolished through a series of executive actions, expanding prior restrictions and eliminating the exemption entirely. This marks a major shift in the US trade policy, aimed at protecting domestic industries, enhancing supply chain security, and combating illicit trade. 

As of the 6th of November 2025, the abolition is in full effect, with CBP processing all imports over $0 USD under standard entry rules. 




Reason for Abolition
  • National Security & Public Health: Primarily driven by synthetic opiods crisis, with 90% of Fentanyl entering via De Minimus shipments from China. The White House cited intelligence report linking low-value parcels through drug trafficking. 

  • Economic Protection: Critics argued it undercut US manufacturers by allowing $50B USD in annual duty-free Chinese Imports, bypassing anti-dumping duties, e.g. on steel and solar panels. 

  • Trade Fairness: Ecommerce giants exploited the rule for “direct-to-consumer” shipping, evading tariffs that larger importers pay. The change levels the playing field. 

  • Border Policy Shift: Aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, including tariffs on allies like UK/EU to address trade imbalances. 





    Impacts 

    (on Importers & Ecommerce):
    • Increased costs: Duties (0-25%+), merchandise processing fees (0.3464% of value, min $31.67), and formal entry requirements now apply to all shipments. Expect 20-50% price hikes for low-value goods. 
    • Logistics Delays: Full customs clearance (e.g. CBP Form 7501) replaces streamlined processing; hold times could rise from hours to days/weeks. 
    • Retail Panic: Brand like Shein saw stock dips; US consumers face higher prices on fast-fashion products, electronics, and toys. Daily volume: $1.4B parcels annually affected. 


    (On consumers): 

    • Everyday items, e.g. $20 USD phone cases, now cost more due to duties + shipping adjustments. 
    • Positive: Better product safety/quality checks reduce counterfeits and hazardous goods. 


     (On businesses): 

    • Winners: Domestic producers and high-value importers gain competitiveness. 
    • Losers: Small online sellers and platforms reliant on cheap imports, e.g. Amazon FBA alternatives. 
    • Adaptations: Shift to consolidated shipments, US warehousing, or tariff engineering, e.g. partial assembly abroad to qualify for lower rates. 


    Global Effects: 

    Hits exporters from China (70% of De Minimis volume), UK, EU, and Vietnam the hardest. Mexico benefits as a nearshoring hub for duty-deferred re-exports under USMCA. 

What's Next?

    • Enforcement: CBP is ramping up inspections; violations, e.g. undervaluation, face penalties up to 4x the duty. 
    • Potential Challenges: Legal suits from Ecommerce claim overreach, but courts have upheld similar actions. 



Ezi Returns offer local return addresses in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK & USA; with more countries being added continuously. With over 18 years of retail and ecommerce selling on various channels and into various markets both in store and online,  we feel we fully understand the issues faced by both customers and retailers in handling returns quickly, efficiently and at a cost-effective price.

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