Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

The order closes a customs exemption the administration says helps Chinese shippers conceal illicit substances, including synthetic opioids. It imposes new duties and reporting requirements on affected shipments and carriers.

What the order does ​

• Requires non-postal shipments valued at $800 or less to use an appropriate customs entry in the Automated Commercial Environment and pay all applicable duties.
• Charges postal shipments either 30% of their value or $25 per item through May 31, rising to $50 per item on June 1.
• Requires postal carriers to collect and remit duties, report shipment counts and values, and maintain sufficient international carrier bonds.
• Allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require formal customs entry and impose the normally applicable duties, taxes, and fees instead.
• Directs the Department of Commerce to report within 90 days on effects on U.S. industries, consumers, and supply chains, including whether Macau should also be covered.

Who it affects ​

• Sellers and shippers sending low-value goods from China or Hong Kong to the United States.
• Postal and transportation carriers handling those packages.
• U.S. businesses and consumers importing goods valued at $800 or less from China or Hong Kong.