The term "de minimis value" is commonly used in international shipping and trade. It refers to the value threshold below which a shipment is exempt from duties and taxes upon import into a particular country.
How De Minimis Works
In shipping and logistics, de minimis represents the duty-free allowance that each country offers for imported goods. When your shipment's declared value stays below this threshold, you won't pay import duties or taxes.
Country-Specific Thresholds
Different countries have various de minimis limits. Once a shipment's value exceeds the predetermined threshold, duties and taxes apply according to that country's regulations.
Real-World Example
European Union countries provide a clear example of how de minimis works:
- Duty-free threshold: Up to €150 - no import duties apply
- Tax threshold: €22 - VAT applies to shipments over this amount
- Above €150: Both duties and VAT are charged
This means an EU shipment valued at €100 pays no duties, but still incurs VAT since it exceeds €22.
Why De Minimis Matters
Understanding de minimis values is crucial because they significantly impact your total shipping costs. Knowing your destination country's threshold helps you:
- Estimate total costs - Including potential duties and taxes
- Plan shipment values - Stay below thresholds when possible
- Budget accurately - Avoid unexpected import fees
Country Reference Guide
Forwardme provides a comprehensive reference sheet showing each country's de minimis values, including:
Country | ISO | Duty de minimis (in local currency) | Tax de minimis (in local currency) |
United States | US | $800 | $800 |
Canada | CA | CAD 20 | CAD 20 |
Germany | DE | €150 | €150 |
Australia | AU | AUD 1000 | AUD 1000 |
Japan | JP | JPY 10,000 | JPY 10,000 |
United Kingdom | UK | £135 | £15 |
France | FR | €150 | €22 |
China | CN | CNY 50 | CNY 50 |
Brazil | BR | BRL 50 | BRL 50 |
South Africa | ZA | ZAR 500 | ZAR 500 |
India | IN | INR 5,000 | INR 5,000 |
Mexico | MX | MXN 50 | MXN 50 |
Italy | IT | €150 | €22 |
Spain | ES | €150 | €22 |
Netherlands | NL | €150 | €22 |
Switzerland | CH | CHF 300 | CHF 5 |
Turkey | TR | TRY 150 | TRY 30 |
Saudi Arabia | SA | SAR 1,000 | SAR 1,000 |
Singapore | SG | SGD 400 | SGD 400 |
South Korea | KR | KRW 150,000 | KRW 150,000 |
New Zealand | NZ | NZD 400 | NZD 60 |
Sweden | SE | SEK 1,600 | SEK 300 |
Belgium | BE | €150 | €22 |
United Arab Emirates | AE | AED 1,000 | AED 1,000 |
Argentina | AR | ARS 3,000 | ARS 1,000 |
Norway | NO | NOK 3,000 | NOK 350 |
Malaysia | MY | MYR 500 | MYR 500 |
Thailand | TH | THB 1,500 | THB 1,500 |
Poland | PL | PLN 150 | PLN 45 |
And many more countries with their respective local currency thresholds.
Important Considerations
Thresholds change regularly as countries adjust their import policies. Always:
- Check current limits before shipping
- Verify with local customs for the most up-to-date information
- Plan accordingly to optimize your shipping costs
Planning Your Shipments
Use de minimis knowledge to plan your international shipping more effectively:
- Split large orders to stay below thresholds
- Combine small items when it makes sense
- Calculate total landed costs including potential duties
Remember: These thresholds are subject to change as countries update their import policies. Always verify current de minimis values before proceeding with your shipment.