🌍 Cross-Border Dropshipping Guide 2026

Last updated: 2026-07-23

De minimis rules — the value below which imports are duty-free — vary enormously by country, and several major markets tightened theirs significantly in 2025. Here's a snapshot to help you price correctly no matter where you're selling.

1. De minimis thresholds around the world (2026)

Destination	Duty-free threshold	Note
United States	None — suspended	De minimis suspended for all countries since Aug 2025, made permanent June 2026
Vietnam	None — abolished	Abolished Feb 2025 (was ~$40)
Indonesia	~$3	One of the lowest in the world
South Korea	$150 ($200 for US-origin)	Higher threshold for US-shipped goods under KORUS
Canada	CAD $150 / $40 tax (US/MX via courier); CAD $20 otherwise	Threshold depends on origin country
EU	None for VAT; duty-free under €150	VAT applies from the first euro since 2021
UK	£135

The trend across almost every major market is the same direction: thresholds are shrinking or disappearing entirely. Don't assume "it's a cheap item, it'll clear duty-free" without checking current rules for your specific destination.

2. Marketplace fees, roughly

• Amazon — ~15% referral fee, varies by category
• eBay — ~13.5% final value fee
• Shopify — 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Shopee / TikTok Shop — ~5–9%, varies by region and promotions

3. Choosing a sourcing agent or forwarder

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) vs. DDU — ask specifically whether duty is included in the quote or billed separately on arrival
• Consolidation — combining shipments to cut per-unit freight cost
• Insurance and claims — what's actually covered if something is lost or damaged
• Turnaround time — check recent seller reviews, not just the marketing page

4. Practical tips

1. Re-price listings that were calculated assuming duty-free entry — with thresholds shrinking globally, that assumption is often stale now.
2. Ask for a landed-cost (DDP) quote so duty is priced in upfront.
3. Re-check live exchange rates right before ordering — the calculator's "Fetch Live Rates" button pulls current data.
4. Before you check out, see if there's a cashback or rewards platform offering a promo code or referral link for the site you're buying from. Going through their link earns you mileage/points redeemable for cash later, on top of whatever else you're saving — worth a quick check before any purchase.

⚠️ This guide is for general information only. Actual duty and tax depend on product classification (HS code), origin, and how customs enforces current rules in your specific destination — always confirm exact figures with a licensed customs broker or official government guidance.