A duty-free exemption is about to expire amid Trump’s trade war. So postal services across Europe will halt shipments to the U.S.
The end of the exemption in the customs tariff duties of packages of low value to the United States to stop multiple international postal services to stop charging because they are waiting for more clarity at the base.
Exemption, known as “De Minimis”, allows beams worth $ 800 to enter the United States free of fees. A total of 1.36 billion packages were sent in 2024 under this exemption, for commodities worth $ 64.6 billion, according to data from the US Customs and Pink Patrol Agency.
Its validity will end on Friday. On Saturday, postal services throughout Europe announced that it is suspending the shipment of many firmness to the United States amid confusion over new import duties.
Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Italy said it would stop charging most of the goods to the United States immediately. France and Austria will follow Monday.
The UK Royal Mail said it would stop shipments to the United States on Tuesday to allow time until these packages reach before the duties begin. The elements that arise in the United Kingdom worth more than $ 100 – including gifts for friends and family – will carry a 10 % duty.
“The main questions are still without a solution, especially with regard to how to collect customs duties in the future, what an additional data is, how the data will be transferred to customs and protect American borders,” said DHL, the largest shipping provider in Europe.
“You will not be able to accept and transport parcels and postal materials that contain goods from agents of businessmen present to the United States,” the company said starting on Saturday.
A commercial framework approved by the United States and the European Union last month set a 15 % tariff on the vast majority of products shipped from the European Union. Packs less than $ 800 will now be subject to a tariff.
The exemption from the customs duties of goods arising from China in May ended as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce American shoppers to request low -value Chinese goods. The exemption is extended to shipments from all over the world.
Many European postal services say they are now stopping delivery operations because they cannot ensure that goods in the United States will enter before August 29. They cite my ambiguity about the type of goods covered by new rules, and the lack of time to address their effects.
Postnord, Nordic Logistics, and mail service in Italy announced similar valid comments.
“In the absence of various instructions from the American authorities … Poste ITALIANE, such as other European postal operators, will be forced to suspend the acceptance of all shipments that contain goods for the United States, starting from August 23. Postals that do not contain goods will remain acceptable.”
He added that shipping according to services such as DHL Express is still possible.
“The temporary suspension” is unfortunate, but it is necessary to ensure the full compliance of the newly implemented rules. ”
In the Netherlands, the official spokesman for the Wouteveen said that the Trump administration is pressing in front of the new duties, although the American authorities lack a system to collect them. He said that postnl is working closely with its counterparts in the United States to find a solution.
“If you have something to send to America, you must do this today,” Whithen told Associated Press.
The Austrian Post, a logistics company and a prominent postcard in Austria, stated that the recent acceptance of the United States’ commercial shipments, including Puerto Rico, will be held on Tuesday.
La Postte in France said that the United States has not provided full details or provided enough time for French postal service to prepare for new customs procedures.
“Despite discussions with American customs services, no time has been provided to postal operators to reorganize and ensure computer updates needed to comply with the new rules, he said in a statement.
Posteurop, an association of 51 European post mail operators, said if it is not possible to find a solution by August 29, it is possible that all of its members will follow.
2025-08-23 22:51:00
