E-Commerce in Turmoil: Michelle Schulz Warns of Seizures and Scams in Marketplace Feature on De Minimis Changes
- Schulz Trade Law
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
E-Commerce in Turmoil:
Michelle Schulz Warns of Seizures and Scams in Marketplace Feature on De Minimis Changes
Sep 10, 2025
What to know about online purchases now that Trump has ended the de minimis exemption
The end of a shipping loophole means that packages under $800 are subject to duties. That’s created chaos for consumers.
As the dust settles from President Trump's July 30, 2025, Executive Order suspending the de minimis exemption globally—effective August 29 for non-postal shipments—consumers and businesses are grappling with a transformed landscape of online imports. This move, which accelerated the exemption's repeal from its original 2027 timeline, has led to shipping suspensions from major postal services and a sharp drop in low-value imports, echoing the 75% plunge seen after China's exemption ended in May.
De Minimis Changes
In a Marketplace article published September 10, 2025, our founder and managing partner, Michelle Schulz, cuts through the chaos. Janet Nguyen's piece explores how packages under $800 now face duties, punitive tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) ranging 10-50%, and even 50% rates on items like steel and aluminum.
Michelle Schulz highlights the stark realities for shoppers:
“I think people are going to realize that if you order something online, you might not even get it. Customs has said if the correct customs duty is not paid, they will seize it.”
She also reveals the exemption's prior scale—4 million daily shipments tumbling to 1 million post-China ban—and flags emerging scams via text messages falsely claiming tariff debts.
The article breaks down tariff calculations (percentage-based via the Harmonized Tariff Schedule or flat fees like $80-$200 for six months), shipping options (DDP for seller-paid duties vs. DDU shifting costs to buyers), and red flags like demands for wire transfers or Social Security numbers. Experts like Derrick Kyle of Torres Trade Law and Courtney Griffin of the Consumer Federation of America emphasize verifying fees, retaining records, and disputing unreasonable charges to avoid collections or package destruction.
This shift isn't just disruptive—it's a call to action for smarter importing.
At Schulz Trade Law, we're at the forefront, helping clients calculate duties, navigate USMCA exemptions, and mitigate risks in this new era. Reach out to us for tailored trade compliance strategies.
Trade on, but trade informed!
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