The President of the United States has issued a new order that further amends duties related to low-value imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong, in an effort to address the synthetic opioid supply chain. This action is a continuation of measures aimed at curbing the influx of illicit substances into the United States concealed within shipments from the PRC.
The order revokes duty-free de minimis treatment for products from the PRC, including Hong Kong, that fall under the provisions of previous executive orders regarding synthetic opioids. Starting May 2, 2025, these products will no longer qualify for the exemptions previously authorized, as recent notifications confirm that systems are prepared to collect the necessary tariff revenues.
"Many shippers based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the United States through deceptive shipping practices," the order states. It emphasizes the role of such shipments in the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States.
The order dictates that all shipments valued at or under $800 that previously enjoyed duty-free status under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) will now incur additional duties upon entry. Specifically, postal items containing goods from the PRC or Hong Kong will be subject to either a 30 percent ad valorem duty or a specific duty of $25 to $50 per item, depending on the entry date.
These tariffs, aimed at reducing the entry of synthetic opioids, will be applied to shipments regardless of their mode of transportation, including those routed through the international postal network. "The duties imposed... are imposed in lieu of any other duties that the shipments would otherwise be subject to," the order clarifies.
The Secretary of Homeland Security is tasked with implementing these changes, with the option to require formal entry for certain international postal packages. Moreover, a report will be submitted to the President within 90 days assessing the impact of this measure.
The White House confirmed that the order does not impair legal authorities or create any enforceable rights against the United States or its entities. President Trump signed the order, reinforcing the administration's commitment to addressing the synthetic opioid crisis affecting the United States.
