European Postal Services Suspend US Shipments Amid New Import Tariffs
Several European postal services have halted shipments to the United States due to the expiration of the 'de minimis' exemption, leading to new import tariffs and customs procedures.
Several European postal services have suspended shipments to the United States following the expiration of the 'de minimis' exemption, which previously allowed duty-free entry for packages valued under $800. Effective August 29, 2025, these shipments are now subject to import duties and enhanced customs procedures.
Germany's Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany announced they will no longer accept parcels containing goods from business customers destined for the U.S. starting August 23. Similarly, postal services in Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have ceased most merchandise shipments to the U.S., with France and Austria set to follow suit on August 25. The UK's Royal Mail plans to halt U.S. shipments on August 26 to ensure packages arrive before the new duties take effect.
DHL, Europe's largest shipping provider, stated that key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected, what additional data will be required, and how data transmission to U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be managed. Consequently, starting August 23, DHL will no longer accept parcels containing goods from business customers destined for the U.S.
The suspension of the 'de minimis' exemption is part of a broader trade framework agreed upon by the U.S. and the European Union, imposing a 15% tariff on most products shipped from the EU. European postal services have expressed concerns over the ambiguity of the new rules and the limited time available to implement necessary changes. PostEurop, an association representing 51 European public postal operators, indicated that if no solution is found by August 29, all its members may adopt similar measures.