Your Package Came With a Bill

U.S. shoppers are getting an unpleasant surprise at the door thanks to the end of the long-standing “de minimis” tariff exemption, which once let imports under $800 enter duty-free. Now, buyers are discovering that a jacket, craft supplies, or random overseas purchase can come with hefty customs bills—sometimes hundreds of dollars—payable before delivery. While the policy change was bipartisan and aimed at closing loopholes used by large foreign sellers, the sudden shift has left consumers confused, small retailers scrambling, and carriers like UPS stuck explaining jaw-dropping fees. The takeaway: that “great deal” from overseas might still be a bargain—until the tariff fairy shows up with an invoice.

Source: A Surprise When Your Package Arrives: You Have to Pay the Tariff – The New York Times