The so-called ‘de minimis’ rule has long allowed items under $800 to be shipped free of tariffs and inspections to the U.S.

Shein and Temu rapidly expanded in the U.S. using the de minimis provision to deliver ultra-cheap fast-fashion items from China.

The so-called de minimis exemption allowed Chinese and Hong Kong retailers to ship millions of packages worth $800 or less directly to U.S. consumers. That loophole will close May 2.