Understanding the De Minimis Exemption Removal: A Shipping Update for WPB Emporium Customers
At WPB Emporium, we believe in transparency and keeping our customers informed about changes that may affect their shopping experience. As of May 12, 2025, the U.S. government has introduced an important update that impacts how certain imported products are taxed upon delivery. This change could affect one of the items we currently offer, our crossbody bags.
What Is a Tariff?
A tariff is a government-imposed tax on goods imported from other countries. These charges are commonly used to protect domestic industries or to raise revenue and can increase the cost of imported goods for customers. For businesses, tariffs can influence product pricing, fulfillment options, and overall customer satisfaction.
What Does “De Minimis Exemption Removed” Mean?
Previously, low-cost imports under a specific value threshold (commonly $800) could enter the U.S. without being subject to import duties. This was known as the de minimis exemption. With the recent change, this exemption has been removed for select goods, meaning that even low-value items may now incur additional customs charges when shipped to U.S. customers.
How This Impacts Businesses (and You as the Customer)
Businesses often partner with third-party manufacturers and fulfillment services to bring their products to life. These partnerships sometimes involve global suppliers. When tariffs are applied at the border, they introduce unforeseen costs for buyers, costs that businesses like ours cannot always absorb or predict. These changes can be especially detrimental to small businesses.
Because of this, any tariffs incurred are typically billed to the recipient (the customer) upon delivery. These are separate from the product’s purchase price or shipping fees paid at checkout.
Products Affected at WPB Emporium
As of this writing, the only affected products in our store are our crossbody bags. All other products in our catalogue are currently unaffected. Should this change, we will update this blog post and the affected product listings immediately.
What You Should Know
If you're ordering a crossbody bag to a U.S. address:
- You may be responsible for import duties or taxes upon delivery.
- These are not included in the item price or checkout total.
We appreciate your continued support and understanding as we navigate these changes. Our priority is to provide you with clear, up-to-date information and a shopping experience built on trust and quality.
