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Several international postal services have suspended package shipments to the United States due to the expiration of a tariff exemption. This exemption, known as the "de minimis" exemption, allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. The exemption is set to expire on Friday (August 29), leading to confusion and disruption among postal services.
Postal services in countries like Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have already stopped shipping most merchandise to the U.S. France and Austria plan to follow suit on Monday, with the U.K.'s Royal Mail halting shipments on Tuesday. The changes come in response to new customs regulations outlined in an executive order by President Donald Trump, which ends the duty-free treatment for all countries.
The new rules require additional data for customs processing, but many postal services are uncertain about how these duties will be collected. DHL, a major shipping provider in Europe, stated that they would no longer accept parcels from business customers destined for the U.S. starting Saturday (August 23).
DHL Parcel Germany noted that parcels from individuals to individuals valued up to $100, declared as gifts, are not affected by the executive order but will face stricter controls to prevent misuse. Commercial shipments will be subject to a 15% tariff, with some categories facing higher duties.
President Trump has justified the changes as part of efforts to combat illegal drugs. However, many postal operators are pausing services due to unclear aspects of the new rules. Postal companies are working closely with U.S. authorities to find solutions and resume services as soon as possible.