European Postal Services Suspend Shipments to the US Amid New Tariff Regulations

European postal services are suspending shipments to the US following the end of the de minimis exemption, which allowed low-value packages to enter duty-free. Countries like Germany and the UK are halting shipments as they await clarity on new import duties.

The cessation of a tariff exemption for low-value packages entering the United States is prompting several international postal services to halt shipments while awaiting further clarification. This exemption, known as the "de minimis exemption," allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without duties. In 2024, 1.36 billion packages worth $64.6 billion were sent under this rule, according to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency.

Postal services across Europe have announced suspensions of shipments to the U.S. due to confusion over new import duties. Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have already stopped shipping most goods to the U.S., with France and Austria set to follow soon. The UK's Royal Mail plans to pause shipments on Tuesday, allowing time for packages to arrive before duties apply.

Impact on European Postal Services

DHL, Europe's largest shipping provider, stated that starting Saturday, it "will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US." They highlighted unresolved questions about customs duty collection and data transmission requirements. A recent trade agreement between the U.S. and EU introduced a 15% tariff on most EU products, affecting packages under $800.

The duty-free exemption for Chinese goods ended in May as part of efforts by the Trump administration to limit American purchases of low-value Chinese items. This exemption is now being extended globally. Many European postal services are pausing deliveries because they cannot ensure goods will reach the U.S. before August 29 due to uncertainties about covered goods and insufficient processing time.

Reactions from Postal Operators

Poste Italiane announced a temporary suspension of all shipments containing goods to the U.S., effective August 23, citing lack of guidance from U.S. authorities. Non-merchandise mail will still be accepted. Shipping through services like DHL Express remains an option. Björn Bergman of PostNord stated that the pause is "unfortunate but necessary" for compliance with new rules.

In the Netherlands, PostNL's Wout Witteveen noted that despite lacking a system for collecting new duties, the Trump administration is proceeding with them. PostNL is collaborating with U.S. counterparts to find a solution. "If you have something to send to America, you should do it today," Witteveen advised.

Austrian Post declared that Tuesday would be the last day for accepting commercial shipments to the U.S., including Puerto Rico. La Poste in France criticized the U.S. for not providing enough details or time for necessary preparations for new customs procedures.

PostEurop, representing 51 European public postal operators, warned that if no solution emerges by August 29, all members might suspend shipments as well.

With inputs from PTI