Importing should be simple. In a perfect world, you order your stock, it arrives at your door, and you focus on your customers. However, as we enter 2026, the world of BVI-US trade has shifted significantly.
For years, many small businesses relied on the “de minimis” threshold—a rule that allowed small parcels (under $800) to enter the U.S. duty-free. Under the new U.S. Executive Order 14324, that threshold is gone. This change is the primary reason for the recent BVI Postal Service suspension of goods bound for the U.S..
What this means for you:
If your business model relies on postal channels for small commercial shipments to or from the U.S., you are likely facing delays and new customs hurdles. While letters and documents are moving fine, anything with “value” now requires full customs processing and duty payments.
ACI’s Role: Being Your Antidote to Complexity
At Asia Caribbean Import, our core principle is to be the antidote to this type of logistical complexity. We don’t just move boxes; we handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.
Instead of gambling with the postal network, consider these three steps:
- Stop Chasing Containers: Switch from postal parcels to professional commercial carriers or LCL (Less than Container Load) freight where rules are clearer.
- Educate Your Team: Ensure your staff understands that “duty-free” on small US-bound items is no longer the standard.
- Think Hub-First: With the BVI’s shipping registry expanding, our islands are becoming a stronger hub for routing goods from Asia directly to the Caribbean.
We believe clarity beats cleverness. If you’re feeling the weight of these new tariffs, let’s talk. We’re here to make your business life easier, clearer, and better.
