What changed for US buyers
For years, parcels worth up to $800 entered the US duty-free under the de minimis rule, which made DHgate and other Chinese marketplaces very cheap for American buyers. That ended for goods from China and Hong Kong on 2 May 2025 and for all countries on 29 August 2025. Every DHgate parcel to the US now goes through duty assessment. "Dhgate spreadsheet" searches in the US, about 8,100 a month, are the largest of any country, so this change affects more DHgate spreadsheet users than any other.
Who pays the duty, and when
| Shipping type | When duty is paid | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Duties-paid (DDP) line | At checkout, included in shipping | Higher upfront price, no bill on arrival |
| Courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx) | Collected by the courier before delivery | Duty plus a brokerage or processing fee |
| Postal / economy | Collected by the postal operator or charged to the shipper | Delays while duty is assessed; possible hold |
Duties-paid shipping costs more upfront but removes the most common US surprise: a bill at the door.
How much duty?
Duty depends on the product's tariff classification and its country of origin, plus additional tariffs on Chinese goods that have changed repeatedly since 2025. Clothing and footwear often carry higher base rates than accessories. Because rates move, we do not quote a single number; the seller's or carrier's checkout estimate, or CBP's published guidance, is the reference. The practical rule: on a cheap order, duty and fees can be a large share of the total, so compare the full delivered price, not the item price, with the calculator.
Delivery times to New York and the US
Economy lines from China typically take two to five weeks to US addresses, with extra time while duty is assessed. Express couriers usually deliver in about a week. Agent lines with US duties-paid routes, such as those KakoBuy lists, often land in one to three weeks. Tracking frequently goes quiet for days after a parcel leaves China, before the US carrier scans it.
DHgate direct or an agent from the US
For a single cheap item, a DHgate seller's duties-paid option is simplest. For several items, one consolidated agent parcel means one duty assessment instead of several, which saves on fees. Joyagoo, KakoBuy and Superbuy have the largest US user bases among working agents; check our status index first. Our comparison guide explains the break-even.
Seizures and what CBP looks for
US Customs and Border Protection seizes trademark-infringing goods, and parcels from China receive close attention. A seized parcel is not refunded by DHgate or any agent, and you may receive a seizure notice by post. Unbranded goods carry no such risk. Accurate declarations matter too: under-declaring value is a customs violation, not a saving.
State sales tax
Separately from federal duty, many states require marketplaces to collect sales tax on sales to residents. Whether DHgate collects it for your state appears at checkout. This is a state matter and differs from customs duty.
Returns from the US
Returning an item to China costs international postage, often more than a cheap item's price, and duty already paid is rarely recovered. That makes sizing and seller checks before you pay more important for US buyers than ever. Our seller checklist and sizing advice help.
Is DHgate still worth it for Americans?
For light, unbranded items, often yes, especially with a duties-paid line. For items you can get on Amazon or TikTok Shop with fast local delivery, the price gap has narrowed since 2025; see our Amazon comparison. For hauls, the agent route with consolidated duties-paid shipping is usually the most economical.
A US buyer's checklist
- Pick a seller with recent photo reviews and a long record.
- Choose a duties-paid line if one is offered, or budget for duty and a carrier fee.
- Measure before ordering; returns are rarely worth it.
- Skip anything branded.
- Keep all messages and payment inside DHgate until you are satisfied.
FAQ
Do DHgate orders to the US pay duty now?
Yes. Since 29 August 2025 every parcel owes duty; Chinese goods lost duty-free treatment on 2 May 2025.
What is a duties-paid line?
Shipping that includes duty in the price you pay at checkout, so nothing is due on delivery.
How long does DHgate take to ship to New York?
Economy lines usually two to five weeks; express couriers about a week.
Will CBP seize branded items?
Trademark-infringing goods can be seized, with no refund.
Is an agent cheaper than DHgate for US buyers?
For hauls, often, because one parcel means one duty assessment.