U.S. Ends De Minimis ($800) Exemption: What It Means for Ordering Medicines from India (2025 Update)

Introduction

On August 29, 2025, the U.S. ended the “de minimis” exemption that allowed duty-free imports valued under $800. For NRIs, expats, and U.S. patients ordering medicines from India, this change is significant.

In this guide, we explain:

• What the new U.S. import rules for medicines mean

• How customs duties USA 2025 apply to prescription drugs

• What steps you can take to legally import medicines for personal use

What Is the De Minimis Exemption?

• Previously: Imports under $800 entered the U.S. duty-free.

• Now: All shipments are subject to duties, taxes, and customs filing.

• Applies to: Prescription drugs, generics, lifestyle medicines, supplements, and more.

Primary Keyword Placement: end of de minimis, US import rules medicines

Impact on Medicines Ordered from India

1. Customs Duties on Every Order

All shipments—no matter how small—must pay import duties and fees. Patients who used to order single-box medicines cheaply will see higher costs.

2. Full Customs Filing

Every shipment now requires:

• Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) entry

• Licensed customs broker or bonded carrier

• Verified prescription and invoice documents

3. Postal Delays and Suspensions

Several postal operators have suspended U.S. medicine shipments due to new compliance rules. Private couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) remain more reliable.

4. Flat-Rate Tariffs (Temporary)

U.S. Customs may allow temporary flat fees ($80–$200) for postal shipments, but these are limited and short-term.

Practical Steps for U.S. Patients & NRIs

Step	Action	Why It Matters
1	Expect Duties	No more $800 exemption—budget for customs.
2	Use Couriers	Private carriers file entries faster than postal.
3	Bundle Orders	Larger shipments reduce per-unit duty costs.
4	Keep Documents	Prescriptions + invoices avoid seizure/delays.
5	Track Compliance	Ask your pharmacy how they file through ACE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I still import prescription drugs from India for personal use?Yes, but every shipment now requires duties and customs clearance. You must have a valid prescription and supporting documents.

Q2: How much duty will I pay on medicines in 2025?It depends on the HS code classification and medicine type. Expect $80–$200 flat rates for postal, or variable tariffs via courier.

Q3: Will my medicines be delayed?Yes, especially via postal shipments. Private couriers remain faster and more reliable.

Q4: Do supplements and OTC drugs also fall under the new rule?Yes. The end of de minimis applies to all imports, including OTCs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

• How We Ship Medicines?

• Popular product