TEMU Customs Clearance Update: T86 Ends, What’s Next?
On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the formal cancellation of the T86 clearance exemption for goods shipped from mainland China and Hong Kong. This policy change, effective May 2, directly impacts TEMU’s direct shipping model.
Why TEMU Relied on T86 Clearance
TEMU previously used the T86 model to break down large shipments into sub-$800 parcels, bypassing duties and reducing logistics costs. This allowed TEMU to offer ultra-low prices and outcompete platforms like Amazon FBA, whose sellers must pay full duties and warehouse fees.
After T86: New Clearance Pathways for TEMU Sellers
With T86 eliminated, TEMU sellers must now choose from two slower and costlier options:
T11 Clearance (Informal Entry)
- Applicable to goods valued ≤ $2,500
- Customs duties apply + $2.6 per package processing fee
- Clearance time extended to 5–7 days
- Inspection rate rises from 5% to 25%
T01 Clearance (Formal Entry)
- No value restriction, used for bulk shipments
- Requires full documents: invoices, COOs, shipping data
- Tax rates significantly higher
- Clearance time: up to 1–2 weeks
Example: A $200 pair of earphones that once cleared instantly under T86 must now pay $28.60 in extra clearance costs under T11—cutting profits by 15%.
Customs Mode Comparison Table
| Clearance Mode | Value Limit | Time | Cost | Inspection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T86 (Cancelled) | ≤ $800 | Seconds | $0.25 per parcel | < 5% |
| T11 (Informal Entry) | ≤ $2,500 | 3–7 days | Duties + $2.6 per parcel | ≈ 25% |
| T01 (Formal Entry) | Unlimited | 7–14 days | High duties + service fees | Moderate to high |
Why Semi-Managed Fulfillment Is the Solution
Faced with rising clearance costs, TEMU is encouraging sellers to adopt a semi-managed model where inventory is stored in U.S. warehouses and fulfillment is seller-handled. TEMU continues to offer platform traffic and transaction tools.
How Darwynn Fulfillment Helps Sellers Adapt
As a certified TEMU fulfillment partner, Darwynn Fulfillment empowers sellers with:
- 🇺🇸 Nationwide U.S. & Canadian warehouse network
- 📦 Full support for Call labels, T11/T01 compliance, customs documentation
- 🔗 Seamless integration with TEMU and marketplace platforms
- 💡 No monthly minimums, no inbound fees, startup-friendly pricing
👉 Contact us at darwynnfulfillment.com to build your post-T86 fulfillment strategy today.
The U.S. CBP officially ended the T86 de minimis clearance for shipments from China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025. TEMU sellers must now use T11 or T01 customs processes.
T11 is an informal entry method for shipments valued under $2,500, with shorter processing times and simpler requirements. T01 is a formal entry process for bulk shipments and requires full documentation and higher duties.
Sellers now face higher costs, longer clearance times, and increased inspection rates. Profit margins on low-value goods shrink, requiring sellers to rethink products and logistics.
TEMU encourages sellers to use a semi-managed model: store inventory in U.S. warehouses and fulfill orders locally to reduce customs risk and speed up delivery.
