De Minimis Rule Ends: Why US Food Businesses Need Reliable Domestic Wholesale Now

Starting this week, the “de minimis” exemption that allowed small international shipments under $800 to enter the US duty-free is gone. Postal services across Europe and Asia are already suspending shipments to the United States, leaving many small businesses scrambling.

For food store owners and restaurant operators, this change could mean unexpected duties of $80–$200 per item, delays at customs, or shipments cut off entirely.

Here’s the reality: relying on overseas small-package imports is no longer stable or cost-effective. If you’re running a gourmet shop, deli, or restaurant, now is the time to rethink sourcing. This change levels the playing field and reinforces the value of buying from reliable domestic wholesale suppliers, where your supply chain remains stable and duty-free.

What Changed With the “De Minimis” Exemption

• Previously, imports under $800 per package entered duty-free.

• Now, all shipments face duties of $80–$200 per item depending on the origin country.

• Postal carriers including DHL, Royal Mail, Swiss Post, and Austrian Post are halting US shipments because customs procedures are unclear.

How This Affects Food Stores and Restaurants

• Unpredictable Costs: Tariffs can erase margins on specialty items overnight.

• Unreliable Supply: Many overseas suppliers may pause shipments until rules stabilize.

• Customer Impact: Delays, shortages, and higher shelf prices can push shoppers to competitors.

Why Domestic Wholesale Is the Better Path

• No Tariff Surprises: Products already in the US aren’t hit by these new duties.

• Stable Logistics: Avoid international shipping suspensions and customs backlogs.

• Competitive Edge: Consistent stock and pricing helps you stay ahead of supermarkets and discount giants.

How GFM Wholesale Helps Owner-Operators

• Direct Access to Imported Gourmet Products Already in the US: Italian cookies, Spanish seafood, specialty sauces, and more — all cleared and ready to ship without minimum.

• Predictable Pricing: Wholesale rates you can rely on, without fluctuating duty charges.

• Fast Fulfillment: Orders ship directly from our New Jersey facility, not held up at customs.

Key Takeaways

• The end of the “de minimis” exemption means higher costs and shipping suspensions for international small parcels.

• Owner-operators who rely on overseas imports risk margin loss, delays, and stockouts.

• Partnering with a US-based wholesale distributor like GFM Wholesale eliminates tariff risk and ensures consistent supply.

• Now is the time to shift your purchasing to domestic wholesale to protect profit and customer loyalty.

👉 Protect your margins and keep your shelves stocked. Browse GFM Wholesale’s catalog today and source specialty products without tariff risk.