US Customs strengthens inspections, Temu and Shein clothing exports will be affected!

It is learned that on April 6, according to foreign media reports, because the existing import method allows cheap clothing from platforms such as Temu and Shein to flow into the United States with almost no tariffs and inspections, the U.S. Customs will strengthen import inspections on low-value packages.

It is understood that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that low-value packages sent directly to the United States will be subject to strict scrutiny, including checking whether the goods violate the U.S. Forced Labor Act.

Previously, the U.S. Customs established a minimum clause, and parcels from outside the United States with a value of less than $800 were not subject to tariffs and would not be subject to strict customs inspections. However, in recent years, the number of parcels sent to the United States has exploded. In 2023, about 1 billion low-value parcels entered the United States, of which goods from Temu and Shein accounted for about one-third of such parcels.

American industry insiders said that since there are no tariffs, the minimum clause has become a loophole for the import of goods, providing trade freedom for Chinese e-commerce platforms. Temu previously stated that the allegations of its use of forced labor are unfounded and its growth does not depend on the minimum clause. Shein has also stated that the company has a "zero tolerance" attitude towards forced labor and the minimum clause is not important to its success.

With the further strengthening of the review of imported goods, the development of Temu and Shein in the US e-commerce market may be affected.

Editor ✎Rayna/

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