The $800 import duty exemption ending on August 29 is the de minimis rule for merchandise shipments from foreign retailers. Until that date, merchandise shipped to U.S. buyers from outside the country was exempt from import duties. If the retailer has not collected the duties, U.S. Customs may hold packages at a port of entry until the import duties have been paid. The package should be marked “personal purchases,” and the items shipped should have their original receipts and a complete customs declaration. For example, if you import $900 worth of goods, only $100 will be subject to import duties, and having original receipts will help speed the process at the CBP checkpoints.