“New Executive Order Eliminates De Minimis Exemption, Restoring Fair Competition for U.S. Bike Industry” – that’s the headline from PeopleForBikes.
At a time when trade tariffs continue to dominate international news, the trade association has made its position clear, outlining what it sees as a unique opportunity.
Here we share the press release in full.
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The U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association and national advocacy organisation applauds a new executive order eliminating the de minimis import exemption for all countries. The order ends duty-free entry for shipments under $800, including bicycles, e-bikes, and related parts and accessories.
The executive order, effective at the end of August 2025, represents meaningful progress in
correcting long-standing trade distortions while curbing the influx of unsafe, unregulated
products into the U.S.
The de minimis loophole, which allows shipments valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free and with limited regulatory oversight, has enabled a surge of direct-to-consumer imports from China, often bypassing critical safety checks and undercutting U.S.-based businesses that comply with federal regulations and pay import duties and domestic taxes.
“PeopleForBikes has advocated for reform of the de minimis threshold since 2018,” said Jenn
Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “This action, while temporary in nature as an executive order, is a strong signal to U.S. manufacturers, assemblers, and retailers that their
concerns are being heard. It’s a meaningful win for fair trade and consumer safety.”
The Budget Reconciliation Bill, signed into law earlier this year, includes a similar provision that
eliminates de minimis benefits starting in 2027 and also applies to all countries. While PeopleForBikes strongly prefers a legislative solution for its long-term durability, the executive
action from the administration accelerates much-needed relief for U.S. manufacturers, importers, and retailers struggling to compete under an uneven system.
A Longstanding Priority for the Bicycle Industry
The current de minimis policy disproportionately benefits large online platforms and foreign
sellers, enabling a flood of low-cost goods, including hazardous lithium-ion batteries and
uncertified e-mobility devices, into the U.S. without inspection or compliance with American
safety standards. This not only puts U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage but also
poses risks to consumers and communities.
“Eliminating de minimis shipments from all countries is a critical step to protecting riders,
ensuring product safety, and creating a stronger, more competitive business environment,” said
Matt Moore, PeopleForBikes’ general and policy counsel. “We will continue working with
Congress and the administration to advance permanent legislative reform with strong bipartisan
support.”
What’s Next
PeopleForBikes urges Congress to act swiftly and codify de minimis reform into law and close
remaining loopholes, including the relatively minimal entry documentation required for lower-valued shipments. The organisation will continue leading efforts to support a healthy,
competitive, and safe bicycle industry in the U.S.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is a national bicycle advocacy nonprofit and the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade
association, representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4
million individual supporters. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and
participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike,
advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to welcome more
people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: become the best place in the world to ride a bike.
Image credit: PeopleForBikes
