NEW YORK CITY, New York: For years, Americans could order low-value items from abroad without worrying about tariffs. That will change on August 29, when the U.S. ends its "de minimis" exemption that allowed imports worth US$800 or less to enter tax-free.

Once the rule is scrapped, all qualifying shipments will face new charges, either duties ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent of their declared value or, for the next six months, a flat fee of $80 to $200 per package.

"Consumers are going to be shocked," said Alison Layfield, vice president of product development at ePost Global. "They are going to end up, I think, (with) sticker shock, or somewhere along the way, they're going to see that extra cost."

Retailers may cover some of the fees themselves, but buyers should expect potential confusion and delays as merchants, shipping companies, and customs authorities adjust to the new system. Here are some ways shoppers can prepare.

Know where your item comes from
It's not always obvious, but product pages often list a country of origin in the details section. Once identified, you can look up U.S. tariff rates for that country's goods or check if the seller includes duties at checkout.

Delivered duty paid vs. unpaid
Look closely at shipping terms. If a listing says "delivered duty paid," the vendor will handle the import tax and paperwork, though likely passing along costs through higher prices. If it says "delivered duty unpaid" or "delivered at place," the buyer must pay before delivery is released.

Check if it ships domestically.
Some overseas companies stock inventory in U.S. warehouses, meaning orders from these companies avoid import duties altogether. On platforms like eBay, shoppers can filter results to show only items shipped from within the U.S.

What happens at customs
Every international package passes through a customs clearinghouse. Officials review a digitized HS (Harmonized System) code to classify the product and apply the correct duty. For shipments via USPS, any fees may be due at delivery or pickup. Private couriers like FedEx, UPS, or DHL will either bill customers or request payment at drop-off.

If you get hit with a surprise bill
Merchants and shippers want to minimize customer frustration, but disputes may still arise. You can challenge the charge or refuse delivery, though refunds are not guaranteed.

Ultimately, the shift will mean more vigilance for online shoppers. Checking product origins, shipping terms, and fulfillment locations will be key to avoiding unwelcome costs at the door.