Service, Regulatory Updates and Important Notifications

In light of recent tariff changes that may impact your shipments to the United States, we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless customs clearance process and guiding you through these adjustments. 

Please remember that U.S. authorities mandate shippers to provide:

1. 10-digit H.T.S. codes in the airway bills and commercial invoices for all items shipped to the U.S., regardless of their country of origin, with some exceptions for specific items, such as samples, as outlined by the corresponding regulations. The H.T.S. code lookup user guide is available here.

2. Manufacturer’s details for commercial use textiles and garments and certain FDA commodities. Specific H.T.S. code of commodities / items might still require the manufacturer’s details even if it’s considered not required above. H.T.S. codes of the textile and apparel products that need manufacturer’s details can be found here.

• Manufacturer’s details should not be provided through the commodity or item description field in our shipping tools. Shipper should insert them into the corresponding field of the shipping tools as below:

  1. FedEx Ship Manager™ at fedex.com: Additional Invoice Info

  2. FedEx Ship Manager™ Software: Commercial Invoice Details

  3. FedEx APIs: the “specialInstructions” field

  4. FedEx Web Services: the “Comments” field

A user guide here is available to assist you to insert the information accordingly.

• To prevent delays at customs, the valid H.T.S. code must be provided; otherwise, an air waybill cannot be created through the FedEx Ship Manager™ at fedex.com or the FedEx API. We have enhanced our shipping tools to assist you with these updates. 

Validate Your H.T.S. Code

If you are using FedEx Ship Manager™ at fedex.com, the H.T.S. code you enter will be automatically validated. 

AI-Assisted H.T.S. Code Lookup

FedEx Ship Manager™ at fedex.com now features an AI-assisted H.T.S. code lookup function. By simply entering a keyword related to your commodity, you can swiftly find the appropriate H.T.S. code using the enhanced lookup feature. Additionally, the FedEx Global Trade Manager at fedex.com also offers an H.T.S. code search option. The user guide is available here.

Access Our Dedicated Website

Stay informed with the latest updates, tips, educational videos, and user guides at our U.S. Tariff Information Hub to help you navigate the tariff changes effortlessly."

FedEx is committed to delivering exceptional support and service to our customers. We are here to assist you every step of the way as you adjust to these changes. Thank you for choosing FedEx, where your satisfaction is our highest priority.

Given the fluid nature of the situation, please check for updates at fedex.com.

Postcodes will be required for all FedEx shipments to and from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia. Without a full and accurate postcode, you will no longer be able to create shipping labels.

To prepare, we recommend that you update your address book now. Here are some links to help: 

In light of the recent tariff changes that may affect your shipments into the United States, we are committed to ensuring a smooth customs clearance process and supporting you through these changes.

1. Effective May 2, 2025, to help ease the impact, we are introducing a lower fee structure for Disbursement Fee and Duty and Tax Forwarding Fee on shipments valued at USD800 or below importing into the United States.

¹ Merchandize Processing Fee is paid as part of the customs entry process to offset to the U.S. CBP’s operation and support annual appropriation. 

• Informal entry: MPF: Min. $2.62 or 0.3464% of the customs value 

• Formal entry: MPF: Min. $32.71, 0.3464% of the customs value, or Max. $634.62 

2. To facilitate a seamless experience, effective April 25, 2025, when sending FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) shipments containing products with country of origin from Mainland China or Hong Kong SAR China to the United States, you must provide a valid FedEx account number (“D&T Account”) to settle duties and taxes payment. If the shipper does not provide the D&T Account, we will adjust the duty and tax payor to the shipper’s FedEx account. 

Reminder: For shipping products with country of origin from China or Hong Kong SAR China to the U.S., if required information, e.g. MID or 10-digit H.T.S. code, is missing, we will contact customers to obtain the missing information. Shipments without proper information will cause customs delay or shipment return. 

3. Effective August 19, 2025, Air waybill will not be able to be created through selected shipping tools if the required information is not provided as below.

By simply entering just a keyword of a commodity, customers can quickly locate the H.T.S. code via the enhanced lookup function (User guide here) or and obtain suggested item description via the newly launched Customs AI feature (User guide here) in FedEx Ship Manager™ at fedex.com. Alternatively, FedEx Global Trade Manager at fedex.com also provides the H.T.S. code search option (User guide here) 

FedEx Support Tools

To help you navigate these changes, we offer the following support for you:

• Estimate Duties and Taxes: 
  • Use FedEx Global Trade Manager at fedex.com to estimate any duties and taxes applicable to your shipment. Please click here to kick start.
  • If you use FedEx API to ship with FedEx, you can add Rate API for getting estimate Duties and Taxes. For technical assistance related to FedEx API, please reach out to your local Customer Technology representative or send an email to APAC FedEx API support team at apacfedexapi@fedex.com. 
• U.S. Tariff Information Hub: Access our dedicated website for latest updates, tips and tailor solutions to assist you navigate the tariff changes with ease.

FedEx is committed to providing unparalleled support and service to our customers. We are here to assist you with every step of the way as you adapt to these changes. Thank you for choosing FedEx, where your satisfaction is our top priority.

Since the situation is fluid, please stay tuned for updates at fedex.com.

The reciprocal tariffs applicable to products with country of origin from China, Hong Kong SAR China, and Macau SAR China will remain at 10% for another 90 days, i.e., till November 10, 2025. In the meantime, the existing 10% IEEPA reciprocal tariff and 20% IEEPA fentanyl tariff will remain.

Effective August 29, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the duty-free de minimis treatment will be removed regardless of the country of origins of the products. The de minimis treatment has been removed for products of China and Hong Kong SAR China since May 2, 2025. 

Effective August 7, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the reciprocal tariffs will change from 10% to higher rate for some countries/territories as follows: 

• July 31, 2025 executive order sets out the new reciprocal tariff rates for countries and territories in Annex I, ranging from 10% to 41%. Please refer here. 

• For all other countries and territories not listed in the Annex I, they are subject to a 10% reciprocal tariff. 

• No change to reciprocal tariffs on products of China, Hong Kong SAR China, and Macau SAR China. 

Since the situation is fluid, please stay tuned for updates at fedex.com. Visit our U.S. Tariff Information Hub to get essential tips of shipping to the U.S. 

Our recommendations for customers to avoid customs delay

Customers who ship to the United States should provide the necessary information below on the air waybill and/or commercial invoice to avoid customs delay:

1. Strong description of the products customers are shipping on the air waybill:

1. What is it?

2. How many are there?

3. What is it made from?

4. What is the intended use?

5. What is the country of manufacture? 

2. 10-digit H.T.S. code for proper duties-and-taxes estimations on the air waybill

• H.S. codes of the textile and apparel products that need MID code information can be found here. 

• Customers can use FedEx Global Trade Manager to estimate any duties and taxes applicable to your shipment. User guides here.

• Customers who use FedEx API can add Rate API for getting estimate Duties and Taxes. For technical assistance related to FedEx API, please reach out to your local Customer Technology representative or send an email to APAC FedEx API support team at apacfedexapi@fedex.com.

3. Manufacturer Identification Code (MID) for commercial use shipments as below on the air waybill and commercial invoice is mandatory for: 

1. Textile and apparel products for certain commercial use regardless of customs value and countries or origin;

   • MID is not required for personal use textile and apparel shipments;

     • Personal use is defined as:

       1. Customs paperwork specifically indicates “Personal Use goods” OR

       2. Informal entry, no more than ten (10) pieces of each style of garment, and consigned to a named individual at what appears to be residential address

2. Certain Partner Government Agencies commodities, e.g. FDA-regulated products

Remarks: Specific H.S. code of commodities/items might still require an MID code even if it’s considered not required above. H.S. codes of the textile and apparel products that need MID code information can be found here. 

4. Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) of the consignee is required for products using formal entry for the clearance process. Missing EIN or SSN of the consignee will lead to shipment being caged by the U.S. customs and returned to the shipper. Customers should input the EIN or SSN of the consignee in the Tax ID field of the FedEx shipping tools.

Incorrect or incomplete information submitted for customs clearance may be subject to service delay.

Since the situation is fluid, please stay tuned for updates at fedex.com.

FAQ 1: What is a Manufacturer Identification Code (MID)?

MID code is one of the required information for import clearance into the U.S. It’s used as an alternative to the full name and address of a manufacturer, shipper or exporter and is always required for U.S. formal customs entries. MID code must be shown on the commercial invoice for import clearance into the U.S.

The MID code is used on paperwork presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the good's recipient.

H.S. codes of the textile and apparel products that need MID code information can be found here.

FAQ 2: How to identify FDA-regulated commodities? 

You can look up for the FDA-regulated commodities on the FDA official website here. 

FAQ 3: How do I generate a Manufacturer Identification Code (MID code) for U.S. import and input into the FedEx shipping tools? 

Please refer to the step-by-step guide on our U.S. tariff information hub here. 

On August 12, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will introduce a new update to their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. This enhancement will automate CBP’s ability to enforce the threshold of the de-minimis-eligible shipments that allows for the duty and tax-free entry of shipments with an aggregate value of $800 or less per person, per day. Please note that products with country of origins which are already removed from the duty-free de minimis treatment is not related to this reinforcement and should be processed through informal or formal entry. FedEx customers are reminded that if the value of a recipient’s aggregated imported shipments exceed the $800 de minimis daily threshold, then informal or formal entries may be required—including payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees—and the shipment may be subject to delays as a result.

What you can do to avoid delays

To help your shipments clear customs smoothly, FedEx suggests these simple steps:

1. Provide precise cargo descriptions when creating shipments with FedEx.

   • CBP guidelines include a precise product description, specific monetary value and currency, shipper and recipient details, as well as an HS code (where required).

   • Vague merchandise descriptions violate CBP requirements and may delay clearance. 

2. Ensure you are using the most updated version of FedEx shipping software.

3. If inbound shipments are heading to fulfillment centers:

   • Follow CBP’s guidance (linked as a Resource below) during shipment creation, including listing the consignee name as “[merchandise owner name] c/o [fulfillment center name]” 

   • Contact your account executive for further details.

Want to learn more? 
Please check out these helpful resources from CBP for full details:

• CBP’s official announcement about this update: 
  https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3e76f27?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

• CBP’s guide on rules for warehouses and fulfillment centers: 
  https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2021-Feb/Administrative%20Ruling%20One-Pager_02122021.pdf

• CBP regulations regarding the $800 duty-free limit: 
  https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/section-10.151

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to your FedEx contact or visit the links above for more information.

We are glad to announce that FedEx Ship Manager^TM at fedex.com now features cutting-edge enhancements powered by the latest AI technology, making it easier than ever for our customers to find precise H.S./H.T.S. codes for their international shipments and prevent customs delays. The new features will roll out gradually in June 2025. 

By simply entering just a keyword of a commodity, customers can quickly locate the H.T.S. code via the enhanced lockup function (User guide here) or the newly launched Customs AI feature (User guide here) in FedEx Ship Manager^TM at fedex.com. Alternatively, FedEx Global Trade Manager at fedex.com also provides the H.T.S. code search option (User guide here). 

Please be reminded that when shipping products with country of origin from China and Hong Kong SAR China to the United States, providing accurate H.T.S. codes is mandatory. This requirement applies regardless of the shipment's origin. Air waybill cannot be created from certain shipping tools if H.T.S. code is not provided. To ensure smooth experience, we highly encourage you leverage the above digital tools to provide accurate H.T.S. code and avoid customs delay. 

Access our dedicated website for latest updates, tips and tailor solutions to assist you navigate the tariff changes with ease.  

FedEx is committed to providing unparalleled support and service to our customers. We are here to assist you with every step of the way as you adapt to these changes. Thank you for choosing FedEx, where your satisfaction is our top priority.  

Since the situation is fluid, please stay tuned for updates at fedex.com.

Effective today, tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the United States are modified.

• Steel: Tariffs imposed on steel imports will be restored to 25% for all countries.

• Aluminum: Tariffs imposed on aluminum imports will increase from 10% to 25% for all countries, except Russia (which is 200%).

The proclamations terminate existing exemptions on imports from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK.

Eligible steel and aluminum imports will continue to receive de minimis treatment

These tariffs primarily target raw steel and aluminum imports, including semi-finished products such as slabs and ingots. However, some processed products may also be affected depending on the level of processing and their classification under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).

In addition, the recent presidential proclamations on steel and aluminum identify new derivative steel and aluminum articles to be covered by the tariffs at a future date.

On December 30, 2024, the Mexican government published regulations modifying simplified customs clearance, adding restrictions, and adjusting and expanding information requirements on the clearance of express shipments arriving in Mexico. The regulatory changes applicable to the simplified clearance of express shipments took effect on January 1, 2025.

Key regulatory requirements to keep in mind when shipping to Mexico:

• Simplified import clearance of express shipments will only be available for shipments valued below USD2,500. Shipments in the USD1,000-2,500 bracket will require the consignee to be registered in the Importer’s Registry (Padrón de Importadores) of the Tax Administration Service (www.sat.gob.mx).
• Shippers sending goods to Mexico intended for customs clearance under simplified entry (Pedimento Clave T1) will be required to provide additional and more detailed information about their shipments, particularly regarding the precise description of the goods and the consignee's full name, complete address, email address, phone number, Mexican Tax ID (“RFC”) and Personal ID (“CURP”). Providing both RFC and CURP when creating shipments is mandatory and enforceable starting March 1, 2025. Shipments consigned to foreign nationals (non-Mexican citizens) may include other acceptable ID numbers: Passport Number, Tax ID or Social Security Number (SSN). Shipments consigned to Mexican businesses and legal entities must include their RFC, whereas those consigned to Mexican nationals under 18 years of age must include their CURP. Any shipment missing the above details will be returned to its country of origin billed under the shipper’s account.
• Generic description of goods being shipped (e.g.: “Clothes”, “Gifts”, “Shoes”, “XYZ”, “SKU N° XXXXX”, etc.) and inaccurate shipper’s name (e.g.: “Unknown”, “X”, etc.) are prohibited by Mexican Customs and could impede the shipment from being cleared; and
• The previously available USD50 de minimis duty and tax exemption threshold has been eliminated.

Please click here for details on this and other regulatory changes (English-only).