Is it possible to import with a 0% tariff after the removal of the U.S. minimum tariff? Yes, here’s how we explain it.

On July 30, 2025, the U.S. government ordered the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for covered low-value imports. The general change took effect on August 29, 2025. Earlier restrictions had already affected goods from China and Hong Kong. Before this change, eligible shipments valued at US$800 or less could qualify for duty-free treatment under Section 321.

This article originally examined practical ways to adapt to the end of that benefit. The underlying strategies remain worth studying, but the rules changed again in 2026. We preserve the original 2025 context while distinguishing today’s legal conditions from the opportunities that can still exist in Japan.

Editorial update — October 10, 2026. The US$800 de minimis exemption remains suspended for covered imports. An ordinary HTSUS duty rate of 0% does not necessarily mean a total import duty of 0%. Additional trade measures, entry procedures and private carrier fees may apply. This guide is a dated snapshot, not a guaranteed quotation for a particular shipment. See the official references at the end.

What the Removal of De Minimis Means for Imports

The 2025 suspension ended automatic duty-free entry for the covered low-value shipments that formerly qualified for the exemption. It did not prohibit small purchases from overseas. Importers must now verify their goods, origin, value, shipping channel and applicable entry procedure. The impact is different for postal shipments, express carriers and ordinary commercial entries.

Impact on China and Hong Kong

China and Hong Kong were affected by earlier changes in 2025. Their goods can also face origin-specific trade measures. A low retail price alone says nothing about the duty, documentation or final import cost.

Impact on Japan and Other Countries

Japanese-market goods may retain compelling purchase prices, but Japan is not exempt as a whole. A product sold in Japan is not necessarily of Japanese customs origin. Classification and the origin rules must be checked separately; some products face additional duties beyond their ordinary HTSUS rate.

October 2026: the duty calculation for qualifying Japanese-origin goods

A USTR action announced July 23, 2026, effective July 24, established additional Section 301 duties for goods of specified economies, with defined exceptions. For non-exempt Japanese-origin products covered by that action, the ordinary MFN duty and this particular Section 301 duty add up to at least 12.5%: if the ordinary rate is below 12.5%, that measure adds the difference; if it is already 12.5% or more, this measure adds zero. This is not a universal final rate: product exclusions and other applicable duties or charges must still be reviewed.

Scope of the table: the calculation above applies only to non-exempt Japanese-origin goods covered by the July 2026 action. It excludes other measures, fees and category-specific treatment. For actual entries, confirm the product’s full 10-digit HTSUS code and relevant Chapter 99 provisions with USITC and CBP guidance.

Strategy 1: Consolidate Purchases Without Confusing Shipping Savings with Duty Relief

Consolidation can reduce shipping and handling costs when several purchases are combined into one shipment. But combining packages does not erase duties or turn separate customs entries into one. Duties depend on the individual goods and the import procedure used.

The original example referred to Shipito and a U.S. warehouse receiving purchases from Japanese stores. If Japanese goods enter an ordinary U.S. warehouse, they may first require U.S. customs clearance. Consolidation after import does not retrospectively remove duties already incurred. Compare the total transportation and customs cost before choosing the route.

• Check the location and customs status of the receiving warehouse.
• Compare each international leg, receiving charge, consolidation charge and delivery fee.
• Verify whether a genuine savings remains after duties and brokerage.

A detailed comparison of Japan-based forwarders and U.S. forwarding routes is a separate logistics question and is deliberately outside the scope of this tariff update.

Strategy 2: Find Favorable HTSUS Classifications, Not Just a “Japan” Label

Many goods have low or even zero ordinary U.S. duty rates. The correct question is whether a particular product qualifies for that rate and whether any additional duty applies on the date of import. JDM describes a product intended for the Japanese domestic market; it does not itself prove Japanese customs origin.

Why watches are a useful JDM example: a watch sold in Japan may contain parts originating in several countries. Some watch classifications have a zero ordinary duty on a component; others use specific charges or percentages. A Seiko or Citizen label does not by itself establish 0% total duty. Verify the exact reference, its origin and the applicable HTSUS provisions.

The U.S.–Japan Agreement Is Not a Blanket 0% Exemption

The 2019 U.S.–Japan trade agreement covered identified categories and concessions; it did not grant every Japanese product free entry. Some zero rates arise under the ordinary HTSUS tariff schedule rather than that bilateral agreement. To validate a claim, consult the current USITC HTSUS; private tools, including the previously referenced Flexport lookup, may assist exploration but are not the governing source.

Strategy 3: Use a Customs Broker When the Entry Justifies It

A licensed customs broker can assist with classification, entry documents, regulatory requirements and communication with CBP. However, not every small personal shipment requires a separately hired broker: express couriers may provide customs services subject to their own conditions.

The US$75–150 broker range quoted in the 2025 article was illustrative, not an official or universal tariff. Request an itemized quotation for the particular goods, import channel and entry type. Broker fees, courier advancement charges and U.S. government fees are different cost categories.

• Confirm whether the carrier already provides the necessary clearance service.
• Request a breakdown of broker charges, CBP duties and fees, shipping, insurance and any advance-payment fees.
• Use professional help when origin, classification, condition or regulations make the entry complex.

Strategy 4: Used Goods, Customs Value and KYOTEN Verification

The Japanese second-hand market can offer an important commercial advantage. That advantage is not a rule that “used always pays less tax.” It comes from a verified purchase price, product condition, correct tariff classification and a final cost that remains favorable.

Specific used-goods and antiques headings

The U.S. tariff schedule contains headings with a general ordinary duty of Free for certain qualifying goods. Examples are 6309.00.00 (certain worn clothing and other worn textile articles), certain subheadings of 6310.10 (sorted textile rags and related articles), and 9706 (qualifying antiques over 100 years old). These are narrow legal descriptions—not an exemption for every used garment, watch, camera or console. Under heading 6309, relevant legal requirements include appreciable wear and specified bulk presentation. Other applicable trade measures must still be checked.

There is no general U.S. customs duty exemption for consumer audio equipment or other products simply because they are more than 25 years old. The well-known 25-year vehicle rule concerns a different regulatory question. Vintage audio can still be commercially attractive, but it needs its own classification, electrical-compatibility and shipping analysis.

Used, Refurbished and Renewed: Check the Goods, Not the Label

“Used,” “refurbished” and “renewed” are not interchangeable guarantees of tariff treatment. Many ordinary used electronics remain classified in the same headings as new examples. Any lower rate depends on a genuine legally applicable provision, not simply on wording on the invoice or visible wear.

Document the Real Customs Value

A legitimately purchased used item may cost less than its new equivalent. When its transaction value is acceptable under customs valuation rules, that lower price may also reduce the dollar amount of a percentage-based duty. Do not understate the value or misdescribe an item. Retain purchase evidence, the model number, condition details and accurate shipment documents.

The KYOTEN Decision Gate

1. Identify the asymmetry: compare the same model and condition in Japan and the U.S.
2. Verify the evidence: origin, authenticity, condition, classification and supporting records.
3. Find the binding constraint: duties, shipping, repairs, returns, power compatibility or weak demand.
4. Decide only after total landed cost: an apparent bargain is not a verified opportunity.

KYOTEN does not claim that every used product is a bargain. The method is to ask the right question, collect enough evidence and reject the purchase when costs or risks erase the advantage.

Understanding U.S. Import Charges in October 2026

MPF reference: for formal entries, CBP states a rate of 0.3464%. Its published FY2026 minimum was US$33.58 and maximum US$651.50. Those are historical FY2026 figures, not automatically the FY2027 values applicable from October 1, 2026. Informal-entry fees and exceptions differ, including particular treatment for international mail and express consignments. Confirm current figures before entry using CBP’s official fee guidance.

A Worked Example: When Duties Do Not Erase a Japanese Price Advantage

Assume a comparable used Japanese watch sells for US$300 in Japan and US$450 in the U.S. The following amounts are illustrative assumptions, not a customs quotation:

A price advantage may survive even when duties are payable. But it can disappear once insurance, sales tax, currency conversion, maintenance, warranty differences or import handling are added. Confirm actual sold prices and compare goods of equivalent condition.

Personal and Commercial Imports

Personal use does not automatically exempt a shipment from duty; resale purpose does not by itself prove a particular entry type. Product value, goods, frequency, quantity, intended use and applicable entry rules matter. Never split or misdescribe shipments to mislead customs.

Conclusion: The Rules Changed; Verification Still Creates Value

In August 2025, the end of duty-free de minimis treatment altered how low-value shipments enter the United States. By October 2026, the tariff framework had evolved further. A 0% ordinary rate is no longer enough to promise a 0% final bill; Japan-based opportunities nonetheless remain possible through favorable prices, legally applicable classifications and disciplined landed-cost calculations.

The strongest strategy is not to avoid lawful taxes. It is to identify a genuine market difference, verify the customs treatment and purchase only when the evidence supports the final decision. That is the practical KYOTEN principle behind this update.

Primary Sources and Verification Links

• White House — Executive Order 14388, February 20, 2026 (de minimis suspension).
• Federal Register — October 8, 2026 (postal-entry developments).
• USTR — Section 301 action announced July 23, 2026.
• CBP — Section 301 implementation guidance, July 23, 2026.
• USITC — Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.
• CBP — Merchandise Processing Fee information.

Editorial record: Original article published August 8, 2025. Substantive legal and operational review dated October 10, 2026. Historic 2025 observations are retained as context; rates, exemptions and administrative fees must be verified for the specific goods and entry date. This guide is informational and does not replace a licensed customs broker’s advice.