Canadian philatelic dealers – particularly those selling to U.S. buyers – are preparing for increased costs and logistical headaches following a significant policy change announced by the White House on July 30.
Under a new executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the United States will suspend its long-standing de minimis exemption that allowed low-value packages – valued at $800 USD or less – to enter the country duty-free. As of Aug. 29, courier shipments sent outside the international postal network (such as by FedEx, UPS or DHL) will be subject to “all applicable duties,” according to a White House statement.
For Canadian stamp dealers who regularly ship into the U.S., the change could introduce new barriers to trade. Many sellers – especially those using platforms like eBay or accepting direct orders from American collectors – have relied on the de minimis rule to ship stamps and covers without incurring additional taxes, customs forms or brokerage fees. That may now change, affecting both pricing and delivery times.
While the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) repeals the legal foundation of the de minimis exemption effective July 1, 2027, Trump’s executive order fast-tracks that timeline. The administration cited “national emergencies” and the need to “save American lives and businesses now.”
Stamp shipments sent via the postal system will still be processed differently. These items will be subject to either the standard duty rate for the country of origin or a fixed tariff of $80 USD to $200 USD during a six-month transition period, depending on the classification of the originating country.
Although stamps themselves are generally tariff-exempt under international classification codes, the new courier-based policy could still result in applied fees, especially if customs officers misclassify the contents or if sellers include mixed goods in a single shipment. That uncertainty is already concerning many collectors and dealers.
Between 2015 and 2024, the volume of de minimis shipments entering the U.S. grew dramatically – from 134 million to more than 1.36 billion annually. That surge, along with an earlier crackdown on packages from China and Hong Kong, prompted U.S. lawmakers to take action.
As CBC News reported, the updated policy is expected to impact a wide range of global sellers – including philatelists mailing individual stamps, first-day covers or collections to American buyers. Dealers attending shows or shipping auction consignments across the border may also be affected, particularly if they use courier services instead of Canada Post.
Canadian sellers are advised to review their shipping methods and pricing strategies as soon as possible.
Canadian and U.S. officials are currently in discussions to negotiate a bilateral tariff arrangement before the Aug. 1 deadline. If successful, such a deal could clarify exemptions or ease duties for certain goods, including cultural and collectible items.
Canadian Stamp News will continue to monitor and report on developments that affect international stamp trade and the broader philatelic community.