Custom duties and tax refund

Posted by ricky (Vignola, Modena, Italy) on 08/24/25 01:03 PM

Is there an expert of custom and VAT refund?
As you knew Trump introduced new import duties (taxes) on products imported from Italy (and the most of World countries) to USA.
On top of that Trump abolished the De Minimis limit on small shipments. Before next 29th of August every import in USA below 800$ is duty free. From next week will be taxed with a rate depending by what you are importing.
That will impact the American online purchases done around the world, but even the purchases done by tourists traveling in Italy.
So everything purchased in Italy and shipped directly to US will be charged by the duties, even if are only 100$ of bottles of wine.

But my question is: what should happen to what I bring back with me in my luggage?
If is a little souvenir I could easily skip it, but if are alcoholics that must be declared? And if is something I have required the VAT refund before leaving Italy: will be taxed when I arrive in US?

Posted by lachera

Firenze, Italy

08/24/25 01:48 PM

1944 posts

There is a thread in the Europe section of this forum

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/shipment-to-the-us-might-take-a-while

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

08/24/25 01:55 PM

17786 posts

The answer is....no one really knows what's going on.

If the $800 exemption is revoked and tourists returning home must pay tariffs on everything they buy, the line at Customs will be huge. Afterall, most people buy something. The paperwork will be ridiculous.

Like everything else announced in the past few months, this may change.

Posted by Threadwear

Fort Myers, FL

08/24/25 03:12 PM

2143 posts

The short answer is yes. If you return from Europe on 8/29/25 or after you will be charged a customs duty on the goods you bring into the US. You should keep a receipt in order not to be overtaxed. Without a receipt, customs could just estimate the cost and you may pay more duty than necessary.

After February 28, 2026, any postal shipments (online orders, etc.) will have duty % rates applied equal to the duty % rates of the foreign country of origin. Until then, a flat rate will be applied from $80 to $200 depending on the foreign duty rates starting 8/29.

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/factsheet_suspension_of_duty-free_de_minimis_treatment.pdf

Posted by kayla.p.

ATL, USA

08/24/25 05:07 PM

629 posts

"Non-postal shipments will be subject to all applicable duties, taxes, and fees and Non-Postal must be filed using an appropriate entry type in the Automated Commercial Requirements Shipments Environment (ACE) by a party qualified to make entry."

Well, this is clear as mud. I assume by "non-postal shipments" they're referring to people re-entering the country with gifts, souvenirs and whatnot but what does "and must be filed using an appropriate entry type in the Automated Commercial Requirements Shipments Environment (ACE) by a party qualified to make entry" even mean??

I took a quick look at some news stories about this and didn't see the first mention of how this applies to travelers and how this will be handled by CBP.

I'll be re-entering the country on 9/1 with some Scottish shortbread in my bag for my family. Can hardly wait to see the %$#show at CBP in Atlanta as a result of this. I can only hope that some of the usual about-facing happens with this proclamation because there's zero infrastructure set up to accommodate it.

Posted by kayla.p.

ATL, USA

08/24/25 05:35 PM

629 posts

I found this "fact sheet" dated 7/30/25 https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-is-protecting-the-united-states-national-security-and-economy-by-suspending-the-de-minimis-exemption-for-commercial-shipments-globally/

The fourth bulleted paragraph says:

Longstanding exemptions under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(A) and (B) remain in place – meaning American travelers can still bring back up to $200 in personal items and individuals can continue to receive bona fide gifts valued at $100 or less duty-free.

So I guess I won't have to pay taxes and fees on my Scottish shortbread after all. Unless I bring back more than $200 of it. If I do, I suppose I 'll be considered a threat to national security and the economy.