For years, U.S. artists and makers benefited from the de minimis exemption, a rule that allowed shipments under $800 to come into the country without extra duties or customs processing. It meant we could order small batches of supplies directly from overseas, fabric, jewelry findings, sublimation blanks, paints, specialty tools without worrying about duties or complicated import paperwork.
That’s changing. And the ripple effects may reach right into your studio.
The End of the $800 De Minimis Exemption
The exemption made it easy for both individuals and small businesses to import what they needed in reasonable quantities. Now with its removal, all shipments, no matter the size, will face duties, fees, and more paperwork.
What does that mean in practice? Small overseas suppliers who once happily shipped to U.S. artists may now decide it’s not worth the cost or hassle. Some foreign postal services have already announced they’ll no longer send parcels to the U.S.
The Double Whammy: Tariffs + No Access
Even before this shift, tariffs had already driven up the price of raw materials. Importers in the U.S. absorbed those taxes, then passed them down the chain to retailers, and finally to you. That’s why you’ve likely seen gradual price increases on everything from artist paints to fabric to metals.
But now, the concern isn’t just higher prices. It’s availability.
Once the current inventory on store shelves and in U.S. warehouses runs out, restocking could become much harder. If overseas companies stop shipping entirely, certain niche or specialty supplies may simply disappear from the U.S. market.
What Artists and Makers May Experience
Jewelry makers could see fewer options for quality findings in specialty metals.
Fiber artists and sewists may struggle to find unique fabrics or trims once domestic inventory dries up.
Handmade Product Makers might face limited access to sublimation blanks and inks.
Painters and mixed media artists could find their go-to pigments or specialty tools discontinued or heavily delayed.
What You Can Do Right Now
Stock up on essentials you rely on most before shelves empty.
Explore domestic suppliers who may fill gaps (though at higher cost).
Stay flexible by testing alternative materials in your work now, rather than later.
Plan for pricing shifts—if your supply costs rise or you need to swap in different materials, your pricing should reflect that.
The Takeaway
The end of the de minimis exemption is more than a technical trade policy, it’s a real disruption that could change how artists and makers access their most important tools and materials. Prices will continue to rise, but the bigger issue is whether those supplies will even be available in the future.
Being proactive now, stocking up, sourcing alternatives, and planning your production, can help protect your creative process in the months ahead.
