Put to: A US licensed customs broker with apparel experience.

Why buyers should ask: Do not reuse the old assumption that a shipment below $800 automatically enters duty-free. Executive Order 14388, dated February 20, 2026, continued the de minimis suspension; CBP’s June 24, 2026 interim final rule implemented an indefinite suspension for non-postal shipments. Returning-traveler treatment is a separate question: CBP guidance describes a commonly applicable $800 personal exemption, subject to eligibility conditions and declaration. (public-inspection.federalregister.gov)

Draft answer framing: Give the broker the actual garment description, composition, value, manufacturing information and delivery route. Request:

  • The classification and current duty basis used for the estimate.
  • Any additional applicable charges, carrier or clearance fees.
  • Who pays and whether the quotation includes those amounts.
  • Separate treatment for courier, postal shipment and accompanied baggage.
  • How other purchases affect the traveler’s allowance.
  • What documentation would be needed for a correction return and reimportation.

Press for: A dated, written estimate. This brief provides no garment-specific tariff rate or assurance of duty-free treatment.

Expert quote: [Insert approved quotation.]