Express Import Clearance for Personal Goods

How express clearance works

Courier companies act as the customs broker for your parcel. They file a simplified or informal entry, often consolidating many small packages, and collect any duty and tax from the recipient on delivery. This is faster than formal entry but still subject to the same duty rules.

Low-value and de minimis treatment

Many countries let low-value personal packages enter free of duty and tax up to a threshold. These thresholds differ by country and change. The United States, for example, suspended its duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries from 29 August 2025, so even low-value China-origin parcels to the U.S. are now dutiable.

When duties apply to personal goods

• The parcel value is above the destination's duty-free threshold
• The goods are commercial rather than a genuine personal gift or personal effect
• The item is subject to excise (alcohol, tobacco, perfume) or restricted control

What you need to provide

• A government ID for the recipient
• An accurate invoice or declared value
• A clear description of the goods (not vague terms like 'gift' or 'sample')

Common hold-ups

• Under-declared or vague value and description
• Missing recipient ID or contact details
• Restricted items (batteries, liquids, branded goods) without paperwork
• Trademark or IP issues caught at the border