Several European postal services have temporarily halted shipments to the United States in response to the impending expiration of the U.S. "de minimis" exemption, which allowed duty-free imports for goods valued under $800. The exemption is set to end on August 29, 2025, with the suspension of services by operators like Deutsche Post, DHL Parcel Germany, PostNord, Austrian Post, and Poste Italiane taking effect around August 23-26, 2025.
The core of the disruption stems from uncertainty surrounding new U.S. customs procedures and the methods for collecting duties. Major postal operators are prioritizing clarity on these new regulations to prevent operational chaos and financial liabilities. DHL Express shipments remain unaffected.
The Association of European Postal Services, PostEurop, has voiced concerns over the lack of clear guidance from U.S. authorities and the extremely short timeframe provided for adaptation following the release of technical details on August 15, 2025. This has led to a collective decision to pause shipments until compliant solutions can be implemented.
This development significantly impacts global e-commerce, affecting businesses that have relied on the de minimis exemption for competitive pricing. In 2024, approximately 1.36 billion packages worth $64.6 billion entered the U.S. duty-free under this exemption. The end of this practice is expected to lead to substantial adjustments in supply chains and pricing strategies for both businesses and consumers.
Postal services are actively working with U.S. authorities and international organizations to navigate the new landscape and resume services as swiftly as possible. Consumers can anticipate potential delays and the need to prepare for new customs procedures and potential duties on goods previously imported without such charges.