A recent executive order in the United States is set to have a dramatic impact on gamers who purchase from overseas, particularly from smaller, independent creators. The White House has announced a suspension of the so-called “de minimis” rule, which had previously allowed parcels valued at less than $800 to enter the country duty-free. This change, which takes effect on 29th August, means that these low-value shipments will now be subject to tariffs.
While this may sound like a straightforward tariff issue, the reality is far more complicated, especially for the tabletop sector. According to a statement from the UK-based company All Rolled Up, a flat fee of $80 will be applied to every parcel before it even reaches US shores. The company, known for its gaming accessories, explained the situation to its customers.
All Rolled Up, a UK store and publisher, said;
To our American customers, it is with heavy heart, we will no longer be able to ship parcels to the USA from next week until the first quarter of 2026. The current US Government have announced the end of the $800 De Minimus for US customers on 29th August and the Tariff rates will come into force as of 30th August.”
The company’s statement continues to clarify the nuance of the new policy:
The tariff imposed for the UK are only 10%, however, because USPS customs would not be able to deal with the new tarrifs with its current infrustructure with the insane amount of incoming parcels, it has been announced that every parcel before entering the USA will be hit with a $80 tariff fee. This is NOT a customs fee… but a flat fee in lieu of tariff so that there is time for USPS to get things ready to be able to charge correct tariff per parcel.”
This flat fee, which is a temporary measure, is an attempt to simplify a customs process that the US government anticipates will be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of newly dutiable parcels. The White House noted that the number of low-value shipments has soared from 134 million a decade ago to nearly 1.4 billion a year.
The Impact on Gamers and Small Creators
For many tabletop gamers, a flat $80 fee for a single order is prohibitive. As All Rolled Up pointed out, while they could potentially absorb a 10% tariff, a flat $80 charge per parcel is simply not feasible for a small business. This makes direct-to-consumer sales to the US unviable for many non-US creators and retailers.
This policy change will likely be felt most by those who buy from independent creators on platforms like Kickstarter or from small publishers and retailers abroad. Larger publishers, who typically fulfil orders from warehouses located within the US, will be less affected as their bulk shipments have always been subject to tariffs. Geek Native has previously covered the impact of tariffs on the tabletop industry, noting how global logistics and distribution are a constant challenge for game creators.
The US government’s official position, as reported by CBS News, is that the de minimis exemption had become a “catastrophic loophole” used to evade tariffs. It’s an issue that has been previously targeted at imports from China and Hong Kong, impacting major online retailers like Shein and Temu. The executive order expands this measure globally, aiming to protect American businesses and national security.
In the meantime, All Rolled Up has advised its US customers to place orders before midnight on 17th August to ensure parcels arrive before the new rule comes into force. For those who miss the deadline, the company suggests purchasing its products from US-based distributors like Noble Knight Games, which is well-stocked with its range of gaming accessories. The company has also noted that it is open to the possibility of group orders to help customers split the new fee.
Photo credit: Brandable Box.
