De Minimis Exemption Suspended: Donald Trump’s 2025 New Tariffs and How Small E-Commerce Businesses Can Adapt

Small and medium e-commerce businesses have long benefited from the de minimis exemption when shipping low-value orders internationally. This rule allowed packages under a certain value to enter countries like the United States without incurring import duties or taxes, streamlining cross-border e-commerce. 

However, recent policy changes – including an executive order by President Donald Trump in 2025 – are suspending the de minimis exemption and imposing new tariffs on imports. These changes mean previously duty-free shipments may now face customs charges, potentially raising costs and complexity for online sellers. 

In this comprehensive guide, we explain what the de minimis exemption is, clarify the de minimis limit, summarize Trump’s new decisions (and what they mean), and outline steps small e-commerce businesses should take to adapt to this new landscape. We’ll also highlight how affordable logistics solutions (both sea and air) and expert support – such as through the WiserSell ecosystem – can help businesses navigate these changes. Keep reading to learn how to stay compliant and competitive under the new rules.

What is the De Minimis Exemption?

The de minimis exemption is a customs rule that allows low-value imports to enter a country duty-free (without paying tariffs or taxes), up to a certain threshold value. The term “de minimis” (Latin for “about minimal things”) reflects that governments set a value below which the cost and effort of collecting duties may not be worthwhile.

 In the United States, this policy is defined by Section 321 of the Tariff Act (19 U.S.C. §1321), which permits duty-free import of goods as long as the total value of those goods imported by one person in a single day does not exceed a set amount. 

This de minimis exemption threshold was historically $200 USD, but it was raised to $800 USD per person per day in 2016 under the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (TFTEA) to encourage e-commerce and reduce red tape. In practical terms, this meant an online shopper in the U.S. could receive a package valued at $800 or less from overseas without paying any import duty or tax.

Why do such de minimis exemption exist? Primarily to simplify trade and reduce processing burdens on customs authorities. Low-value shipments generate relatively little revenue, so governments use de minimis rules to avoid clogging customs with millions of small packages. This has fueled global e-commerce, enabling merchants to ship inexpensive products directly to customers across borders with minimal friction.

Many countries have their own de minimis levels (often much lower than the U.S. level) to facilitate small trade. In essence, the de minimis exemption created a loophole for hassle-free, duty-free entry of goods below a certain value, sparing them from tariffs, import VAT, and lengthy customs procedures.

What is the De Minimis Exemption Limit?

The de minimis limit refers to the maximum value threshold for duty-free treatment under a country’s de minimis exemption. In the United States, the de minimis limit is $800 USD – meaning shipments valued at $800 or less qualify for the exemption (until recent changes, discussed below). This $800 per day limit (per individual recipient) is one of the highest such thresholds in the world. (By comparison, the U.S. limit was just $200 before 2016; it was increased to $800 to simplify e-commerce imports.)

It’s important to note that de minimis exemption limits vary greatly by country. For example, Canada’s de minimis limit is only $20 USD (one of the lowest), meaning any shipment above $20 to Canada incurs duties or taxes. Australia has a high threshold of about $1,000 USD before duties apply. 

Many countries in Europe historically allowed duty-free import up to around €150 (approximately $170–$190 USD), although the European Union removed its VAT de minimis of €22 in 2021 (now all commercial imports require VAT, with €150 remaining as a duty waiver limit). Some countries have extremely low limits (for instance, $5 USD in certain nations). These differences mean that a shipment valued at $100 could be duty-free into the U.S. or Australia, but would be taxed in Canada or in many EU countries.

In summary, the de minimis exemption limit is the value cutoff that determines whether an import shipment must pay duties. If an item’s value is at or below that limit, it enters duty-free; above that, duties/taxes apply. The U.S. e-commerce boom was partly enabled by its generous $800 de minimis threshold, which allowed platforms to send a flood of inexpensive goods directly to American consumers duty-free. That landscape, however, has changed with new U.S. policy moves in 2025 that effectively eliminate this exemption for most commercial shipments.

Trump Suspends the De Minimis Exemption Globally

In July 2025, the U.S. government announced a sweeping change: the de minimis exemption for imports is being suspended for all countries. On July 30, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that eliminates duty-free treatment for low-value shipments (≤ $800) worldwide. In other words, the long-standing policy that allowed e-commerce packages under $800 to bypass U.S. customs duties has been put on hold. This move closes what the White House called a “catastrophic loophole” that was being used to evade tariffs and import unsafe or illegal goods.

What exactly changed? Here are the key points of this executive order suspending the de minimis exemption globally:

• Effective August 29, 2025, all commercial imports into the U.S. valued at $800 or below no longer receive automatic duty-free status (except as noted for mail and gifts). If you ship goods by private carriers (courier, freight, express parcels), those shipments will now be subject to regular import duties and taxes, regardless of value. The $800 de minimis threshold is essentially suspended for every country.
  
• For goods sent via postal mail services, the U.S. is introducing a temporary duty assessment method instead of immediate full tariffs. During a transition period (the first 6 months), postal shipments under $800 will incur either:
  
  • an “ad valorem” duty (percentage-based) equal to the normal tariff rate that would apply to that product and origin under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), or
    
  • a “specific” flat fee duty of $80 to $200 per item, depending on the product’s country of origin and its applicable tariff rate. (Higher-tariff countries/products incur closer to $200 per item, lower-tariff ones around $80.) This specific flat duty option for postal packets is only available for six months; after six months, all postal shipments too must use the ad valorem tariff method. The intent is to give postal systems and senders time to adjust before fully aligning with standard tariffs.
    
• Long-standing personal exemptions are unchanged. Travelers entering the U.S. can still bring back up to $200 of goods duty-free, and individuals can still receive gifts valued at $100 or less duty-free from abroad. These are set by law (19 U.S.C. §1321(a)(2)(A) and (B)) and were not eliminated. So, if grandma abroad mails you a $90 birthday gift, it’s still duty-free. But a $300 online order you bought yourself will no longer escape duties under de minimis.
  

In essence, President Trump’s order shuts down Section 321 de minimis for commercial e-commerce shipments. The change was framed as a response to national emergencies and security threats. The White House cited massive abuse of the de minimis rule: smugglers using it to ship fentanyl and other synthetic opioids in small packages, counterfeit goods and unsafe products flooding in without inspection, and savvy importers splitting shipments to dodge tariffs. 

The data is striking – between 2015 and 2024, the annual volume of de minimis shipments into the U.S. exploded from 134 million to over 1.36 billion, and by 2024 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was handling over 4 million such packages per day. This surge, enabled by the $800 threshold, has been accompanied by a spike in illicit trade: in FY2024, 90% of all U.S. customs cargo seizures were from de minimis shipments (including 98% of narcotics cases and 97% of counterfeit goods seizures). Clearly, bad actors took advantage of lower scrutiny on small parcels, prompting calls to close the loophole.

Stacks of shipping containers and small parcels, symbolizing the immense scale of global e-commerce shipments that have exploited de minimis thresholds. With millions of packages flowing daily, authorities grew concerned that the de minimis exemption was enabling a flood of untaxed, uninspected goods.

Another motive is economic: officials argued that the de minimis rule undermined U.S. manufacturers (by allowing a flood of cheap imports) and cost the government significant revenue in unpaid duties. Notably, China was a primary beneficiary of the old rule – a huge volume of China-origin e-commerce orders entered the U.S. under $800 with no tariffs.

In fact, earlier in 2025 (effective May 2), Trump had already suspended de minimis for shipments from China and Hong Kong specifically, which hit popular Chinese shopping platforms. (Chinese-founded fast-fashion retailers Shein and Temu saw U.S. usage drop sharply after that change – Temu’s daily active users fell 52% in May 2025 vs. March, and both companies slashed their U.S. advertising spend as the cost advantages eroded.) Now, the suspension is expanded globally to all countries.

It’s worth mentioning that ending de minimis was on the horizon anyway: Congress passed a law nicknamed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that will permanently repeal the statutory basis for the de minimis exemption worldwide as of July 1, 2027. In effect, the Trump administration is accelerating that timeline by enforcing the change via executive order in 2025, rather than waiting for 2027. President Trump described de minimis shipments as a “big scam” harming America and emphasized he wanted to stop it now.

What does this mean for e-commerce sellers? In short, if you were relying on the de minimis rule to send products to U.S. customers duty-free, that loophole just closed. Every international order, no matter how small, may now incur import duties when entering the U.S. (unless it’s a bona fide gift under $100). For example, previously you might have shipped a $50 item via DHL to a U.S. buyer with no extra fees; post-August 29, 2025, that shipment will be assessed normal import duty (say 5%, 10%, or whatever rate applies to the item’s tariff code and origin country). Over thousands of orders, those duties add up, effectively raising costs either for the seller, the consumer, or both.

Trump’s New Tariffs on Global Imports (“Reciprocal Tariffs”)

Beyond the de minimis changes, the Trump administration also rolled out new tariffs on imports from dozens of countries in 2025. In fact, one day after suspending de minimis, President Trump issued another order on July 31, 2025 titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates.” This imposed additional ad-valorem tariffs ranging roughly from 10% up to 41% on U.S. imports from 69 different trading partners. These tariffs were presented as “reciprocal” – aiming to mirror or counteract other countries’ trade barriers – and as leverage to push countries into new trade deals by an August deadline.

Under this policy, many U.S. trading partners that did not reach a special agreement with the U.S. now face significant extra duty rates on their goods. For example, UK and Australia exports to the U.S. have a +10% tariff (a baseline for close allies), whereas countries with larger trade imbalances or less favorable relations have higher rates. India faces a 25% tariff, despite its strategic ties to the U.S.. Turkey’s exports have a 15% tariff. Most of the European Union falls under a special formula: EU products that normally have low U.S. duties get topped up to an effective 15% total tariff, while EU products that already have a tariff ≥15% won’t see an extra charge.

At the extreme end, some nations face very steep tariffs (for instance, Syria’s exports are hit with a 41% tariff – the highest on the list). Even countries like South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia – which negotiated some adjustments – ended up with additional tariffs in the mid-teens (15–20% range). If a country is not listed with a specific rate, a default 10% tariff applies to its goods by this order.

To illustrate, here is a sample of the new U.S. import tariff rates for selected countries under the July 31, 2025 executive order (these are on top of any existing tariffs and trade agreement rates):

Country/Region	Additional Tariff
United Kingdom & Australia	10% (baseline rate)
European Union (most goods)	Up to 15% (floor for low-duty goods)
Turkey	15%
Japan	15%
India	25%
South Korea	15%
Vietnam	20%
Brazil	10%
Nigeria	15%
Switzerland	39%
Syria	41%
Most other countries	10% (if not listed)

Source: Adapted from the White House Executive Order Annex. (Countries that negotiated agreements might avoid these, and the rates could be adjusted if deals are struck.)

These reciprocal tariffs took effect on August 7, 2025 for most countries (with a few, like a separate Canada-specific tariff, even earlier). The staggered rollout gave a last-minute window for trade negotiations – and indeed some countries rushed to reach deals to stave off the tariffs. The logic behind this policy is that the U.S. wanted to pressure countries that have high tariffs or trade barriers against U.S. goods (or that “failed to align with the U.S. on economic and security matters”) to come to the table. In effect, it’s an attempt to enforce a form of “tariff reciprocity” – charging other countries the same kind of rates they charge, unless they sign a new agreement.

For small and medium e-commerce exporters, these new tariffs mean that your product’s country of origin now heavily influences its cost in the U.S. market. If you are shipping from a country now subject to 15% or 25% extra duty, your U.S. customers (or you, depending on terms) will have to pay that much more upon import. Notably, these tariffs stack on top of the removal of the de minimis exemption.

For instance, before, a $100 craft item from Turkey could go to a U.S. buyer duty-free; now not only is it not duty-free, but it will incur the normal tariff (say 4% for its category) plus an extra 15% tariff due to Turkey’s listing. That’s effectively ~19% extra cost on that item. Such changes can erode narrow profit margins and price competitiveness for small businesses.

In summary, the U.S. has significantly tightened its import regime in 2025:

• No more duty-free de minimis for commercial shipments – every dollar of import value is now dutiable (except small gifts).
  
• Additional tariffs on many countries – raising duty rates by double digits for a large portion of U.S.-bound goods.
  

This one-two punch is reshaping the economics of cross-border e-commerce. Sellers exporting to the U.S. must quickly adapt their strategies to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected costs and compliance issues.

Adapting to a World Without the De Minimis Exemption

For small and medium e-commerce businesses, these changes might sound daunting – but with the right steps, you can adapt and continue to thrive. Here are measures to consider in response to the suspension of the de minimis exemption and new tariffs:

1. Re-evaluate Your Fulfillment Strategy: If you have been shipping orders individually from your country to U.S. customers, now is the time to consider consolidating and localizing your fulfillment. Without the de minimis tax advantage, there is less incentive to drop-ship every item directly from overseas to the customer. Instead, you might ship your inventory in bulk to a U.S. warehouse or fulfillment center, clear customs on that bulk shipment (paying duties once), and then do domestic shipping for individual orders. This can reduce per-unit shipping cost and delivery times for customers. 

Many brands are already moving inventory into U.S. distribution centers for faster, cheaper local fulfillment, since they’ll pay duties either way now. Utilizing services like Amazon FBA, 3PL (third-party logistics) warehouses, or partnering with fulfillment providers can be game-changing. Ocean freight can be used to send larger stock quantities to the U.S. at a much lower cost per unit than express courier – even though it’s slower, you can then deliver to U.S. customers in 2-3 days from the domestic warehouse, combining efficiency with cost savings.

2. Consider Hybrid Shipping Methods: If stocking inventory in the U.S. isn’t immediately feasible, you can explore creative logistics solutions. One interesting approach is sea-air logistics, a hybrid mode where goods are shipped by sea for the longest leg to save cost, then transferred to air freight for the final leg to save time. This combo leverages the lower cost of ocean shipping and the speed of air cargo. For example, you might send a container by sea to a hub (e.g., Los Angeles), then air freight smaller batches to inland cities for quick distribution.

While not a standard solution for every business, it’s a “sweet spot” strategy some logistics providers offer to balance speed and expense. The key is to optimize your shipping for cost-efficiency, since you can no longer rely on duty savings to keep costs low. If most of your orders were previously going by fast air courier, you might now mix in slower shipping options for non-urgent items or batch shipments to reduce expenses.

3. Update Pricing and Communication: With duties now applicable, update your pricing structure to account for these import costs. Decide whether you (the seller) will cover the duties or pass them to the customer (Delivered Duty Paid vs. Delivered Duty Unpaid). Many small merchants selling DDP will need to slightly raise prices to cover the new tariff and duty expenses.

If you expect customers to pay upon delivery, it’s crucial to clearly communicate on your website that U.S. orders will be subject to import fees. No one likes surprise charges – being transparent can help manage customer expectations and avoid abandoned packages. You might also explore duty drawback or recovery services if any goods are returned or re-exported, to reclaim some of the paid tariffs.

4. Classify Your Products Accurately: Compliance is more important than ever. Make sure you properly classify your goods with the correct HS (Harmonized System) codes and country of origin, as duties are based on these. Misclassification or mis-declaring origin to sneak around tariffs is illegal and now met with even harsher penalties. The new rules specifically implement a 40% extra duty penalty for transshipment evasion – if Customs finds you rerouted products through a third country or falsified paperwork to evade the country-specific tariffs, they’ll hit those goods with an additional 40% duty on top of everything, plus fines. 

In short, don’t even think about trying to cheat the system; it’s not worth it. Instead, invest in getting your documentation right and perhaps consult a customs broker or trade compliance expert to ensure you’re following all requirements. Also, note that CBP is rolling out new data requirements for low-value shipments, such as requiring detailed electronic advance data about the seller, buyer, and contents of packages. Be prepared to furnish more information with your shipments to avoid delays.

5. Leverage Free Trade Agreements and Programs: Examine whether your products can qualify for any existing free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential programs that reduce tariffs. For instance, if you manufacture in a country that has a trade agreement with the U.S. (like USMCA for Mexico/Canada, or certain bilateral agreements), meeting the rules of origin could exempt or lower duties on your goods even with the new policies.

Also, consider using Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) or bonded warehouses in the U.S. – you can store goods in an FTZ and only pay duties when they enter U.S. commerce (or not pay at all if they get re-exported). This could be useful if you have a significant volume of returns or plan to re-export unsold inventory.

6. Build in Resilience and Diversify: The abrupt end of de minimis and new tariffs underscore that trade rules can change quickly. Build resilience by diversifying your supply chain and markets. If one country faces high tariffs, can you source or produce from an alternative country with lower duties? (For example, some companies facing 25% tariffs from China shifted sourcing to Vietnam or India – though those too now have tariffs, they’re lower than China’s prior 54% on de minimis shipments.)

Likewise, consider expanding sales in other markets besides the U.S., to spread risk. The European Union, for instance, has its own rules but if you already comply with the U.S. formal entry process, selling to the EU might be only marginally more complex now that all shipments need tax/duty handling anyway. Diversifying your customer base and supply base can buffer against single-market policy shifts.

7. Take Advantage of Logistics Partnerships and Expertise: You don’t have to navigate this new era alone. It’s wise to partner with experienced logistics providers and platforms that can guide you through international shipping and compliance. For example, WiserSell’s ecosystem offers free support across all aspects of international e-commerce, including order management, shipping solutions, customs compliance, consulting, accounting, and even business setup in foreign markets. If you’re unsure how to handle the new requirements, getting advice from experts can save you costly mistakes. 

WiserSell provides affordable support for both sea logistics and air logistics, helping you find cost-effective shipping routes for your products. By working with a platform like WiserSell, you can integrate multiple carriers, compare rates, automate customs paperwork, and ensure you’re always using the best option for each order. This kind of support is especially valuable for small and medium businesses that may not have in-house logistics departments.

Considering taking your e-commerce business global despite these hurdles? You don’t have to do it all yourself – the WiserSell ecosystem can coordinate every step, from finding the cheapest shipping method to handling duties and taxes, so you can focus on growing your business.

If you’re looking to expand overseas or need help adjusting to these new rules, remember that help is available. WiserSell stands by ready to assist – our platform connects you with trusted providers and offers free consulting in every area of international e-commerce, from logistics to bookkeeping. Navigate the post–de minimis world with confidence! Get in touch with WiserSell today to streamline your global operations and keep your competitive edge.

By implementing these strategies, small and medium e-commerce enterprises can mitigate the impact of losing the de minimis exemption and even turn the situation into an opportunity to optimize their operations. The end of duty-free small shipments may raise costs in the short term, but it also encourages businesses to become more efficient in shipping and sourcing. Those who adapt quickly – by reorganizing supply chains, leveraging new fulfillment models, and staying compliant – can continue to delight customers worldwide without breaking the bank.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the de minimis exemption in simple terms?

The de minimis exemption is a rule that lets low-value imports enter a country without paying import duties or taxes. It’s basically a duty-free threshold. For example, before recent changes, the U.S. allowed goods valued at up to $800 to come in duty-free under its de minimis rule. The goal is to save customs authorities from having to process tons of small shipments that generate very little revenue. Many countries have similar rules with different value limits.

What was the de minimis limit in the United States?

The U.S. de minimis limit was $800 USD per person per day (since 2016). Any shipment valued at $800 or below could enter the U.S. without duties under Section 321. This was a high threshold – for comparison, Canada’s limit is $20, and Europe’s average is around $150–$200. However, as of August 29, 2025, the U.S. has suspended this $800 exemption for most shipments, so effectively the de minimis limit is now $0 for commercial imports (gifts $100 and personal travel $200 exemptions remain).

Why did the U.S. suspend the de minimis exemption in 2025?

The U.S. suspended the de minimis exemption due to national security, health, and economic concerns. Officials discovered that the duty-free threshold was being abused to send illegal drugs (like fentanyl), counterfeit goods, and other contraband in small packages that weren’t being inspected. The volume of these shipments had skyrocketed to over 1.3 billion a year, overwhelming customs.

Additionally, large e-commerce retailers (especially from China) were using the loophole to avoid tariffs, contributing to trade imbalances. In short, it was seen as a “catastrophic loophole” harming American businesses and even endangering Americans (through counterfeit or unsafe products and drugs). To “close the scam” and raise revenue, the government suspended duty-free treatment for low-value packages.

What do these changes mean for small e-commerce sellers?

If you’re a small e-commerce seller shipping internationally, these changes mean you can no longer ship low-cost orders to the U.S. without customs duties. Every product, even a $20 item, will likely incur some import tax for your U.S. customer or for you to pay. This increases the cost of your goods in the U.S. market. You’ll need to adjust by possibly charging a bit more, handling customs paperwork for all shipments, and looking for ways to reduce shipping and duty costs (like bulk shipping or finding lower-tariff sourcing).

It also means delivery might slow down if packages get held for duty processing. Planning logistics more carefully and being transparent with customers about potential fees is now crucial. On the positive side, if you adapt well (for example, set up a small stock in the U.S. or work with a fulfillment partner), you can maintain fast shipping and control costs even with the new rules.

Are any imports still duty-free after the de minimis exemption suspension?

Yes, a few exceptions remain duty-free: gifts and personal travel items below certain values are still exempt. The longstanding law allowing Americans to receive gifts up to $100 from abroad duty-free is still in effect. Also, travelers coming back to the U.S. can bring $200 of merchandise duty-free in their luggage. These were not changed by the executive order.

However, regular e-commerce purchases are not considered gifts, so they don’t qualify for the $100 gift exemption (sending something marked “gift” when it’s a commercial sale is illegal and risky). Apart from those personal exemptions, essentially all commercial imports will be subject to duties now, regardless of value. The only other temporary carve-out is for postal shipments during the 6-month transition: they won’t be duty-free, but they have a simpler flat fee option ($80–$200 per item) before full tariffs kick in.

What new tariffs did President Trump introduce, and how do they affect me?

President Trump introduced additional tariffs on imports from 69 countries, with rates ranging roughly from 10% to 25% for many partners (and up to 40%+ for a few). Major U.S. trading partners like the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, etc., all have new tariffs in that range (e.g. UK 10%, India 25%, Turkey 15%, Brazil 10%, Taiwan 20%). These are on top of any normal tariffs. For you, this means if you source products from or manufacture in one of those countries, your goods now face higher import taxes entering the U.S. For example, if you ship handmade goods from India to U.S. customers, those items now incur an extra 25% tariff, making them more expensive.

You may need to adjust pricing or consider shifting some sourcing to countries with lower tariffs. It’s important to lookup the specific rate for your country in the new tariff list (or consult a trade attorney or customs broker) so you know how much extra cost to expect. These “reciprocal tariffs” went into effect in August 2025 and might change if trade deals are negotiated, so stay tuned to U.S. trade news for any updates.

How can I reduce shipping costs and duties now that de minimis is gone?

There are a few strategies to minimize the impact of shipping costs and duties:

• Consolidate shipments: Instead of sending many individual packages, ship in bulk to the destination country. For instance, send a batch of orders together to a fulfillment center in the U.S., clear customs once, then distribute domestically. This can significantly cut down per-package shipping fees and you pay duties in one go (often at better rates for bulk freight).
  
• Use cheaper transit modes: Consider switching from express air shipping to economy services, sea freight, or a sea-air combo. Slower options like ocean freight are far cheaper for heavy or large volumes. You might balance speed and cost by using sea freight for the main leg and air for final delivery (many logistics providers offer such hybrid solutions).
  
• Optimize product weight and packaging: Lighter, more compact packages cost less to ship and sometimes incur lower duties (some duties are weight-based or volume-based). Avoid unnecessary weight. Also, shipping items unassembled or in kit form can sometimes reduce duties (depending on tariff codes).
  
• Explore duty mitigation programs: If you export and then re-import items (or vice versa), look into duty drawback (refunds on re-exported goods). Use Free Trade Zones if applicable to defer duties until sale. Additionally, ensure you classify goods under the correct HS codes to take advantage of any lower-duty classifications that might apply.
  
• Leverage any trade agreements: If your product qualifies for a free trade agreement benefit (e.g., made in a country that has a deal with the U.S.), use it – provide certificates of origin so your shipment can enter under a reduced rate.
  

While you can’t avoid duties altogether now, smart planning can reduce how much you pay and keep your shipping efficient.

Where can I get help to navigate these international e-commerce changes?

You can seek help from logistics and e-commerce service providers. For example, WiserSell’s ecosystem is specifically geared towards helping small and medium businesses in international e-commerce. They offer free support in areas like order management, shipping logistics, customs compliance, consulting, accounting, and even setting up companies abroad.

This kind of support can guide you step-by-step – from finding the most affordable shipping routes, to filling out customs forms correctly, to strategizing about where to warehouse your products. Additionally, consider consulting a customs broker or freight forwarder for expert advice on shipping and tariffs, or a trade attorney if you have a very complex situation.

Networking with other e-commerce entrepreneurs (forums, trade associations) can also be useful – many are facing the same challenges and may share solutions. In summary, you don’t have to figure it all out alone: tap into expert resources like WiserSell (which provides an integrated platform and partner network for global e-commerce) or other professionals who specialize in international trade. Investing a little time with experts now can save you a lot of money and trouble down the road.