Postal services worldwide, particularly in Europe, are gearing up to suspend shipments to the US as a result of the upcoming end to the DE Minimus tariff exemption under the Trump administration.
This “de minimus” rule previously allowed carriers to ship items valued under $800 to the US without incurring duties.
Recently, the White House announced the termination of this exemption, citing concerns around fentanyl and other illegal drugs entering the country.
DHL, which is Europe’s largest shipping company, stated on its website that it would cease accepting parcels and postal items for the US from business customers. The cutoff is set for August 29th.
The company indicated that these restrictions would be temporary, explaining they stem from “a new process required by US authorities that differs from what was previously in place.”
However, some critical issues remain unanswered, like the future collection of tariffs and additional data requirements, as well as how information will be sent to US customs and border security.
Postal services in countries like Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, France, and Belgium have announced similar plans to halt shipments. The UK’s Royal Mail has also temporarily suspended its cargo operations to the US.
Asian nations, including Singapore and Thailand, are following suit, pausing their cargo shipments until clearer rules emerge.
The Thai Post highlighted the chaos resulting from President Trump’s decision to remove the low-value parcel exemption, which had previously allowed a smoother flow of small packages into the US.
The Australian Post Office mentioned it too has halted some package shipments bound for the US.
Royal Mail emphasized that they are coordinating with US authorities and international partners to adjust services to meet new requirements, aiming to ensure UK consumers and businesses can continue utilizing these services.
The US had earlier rescinded its de Minimus exemption for shipments from China in May, citing that many shippers were misusing the low-value threshold to smuggle illegal substances.
Reports indicate that the amount of shipments to the US surged between 2015 and 2024, boosting Chinese fast-fashion companies like Temu and Shein that shipped directly to consumers.
Fox Business has reached out to both the White House and DHL for further comments.
