Postal services around the world are stopping or limiting parcel deliveries to the United States as a new rule takes effect this week. The rule removes a long-standing exemption that allowed many small packages to enter the US without extra taxes or paperwork. This change is causing confusion and delays for postal systems, businesses, and shoppers alike.
Starting August 29, President Donald Trump’s administration is ending the “de minimis” exemption for parcels sent to the US. This exemption previously allowed millions of low-value packages, mostly from e-commerce sales, to enter the country duty-free every day. Under the new policy, these parcels will face tariffs and must comply with stricter customs rules.
The changes began in May for packages from China and Hong Kong and now apply globally. Gifts valued under $100 still won’t be taxed. But for commercial shipments, postal services must follow new customs procedures and pay duties based on tariffs set by the US government.
Many national postal services say they are unsure how to handle these new requirements. South Korea’s postal service will stop accepting air parcels and some express deliveries to the US starting this week, while premium courier services will remain active with customs fees applied. Singapore’s postal service is also pausing standard commercial shipments but keeping express and special services running.
Japan has warned of possible delays or returned packages. In Europe, countries like Norway and Finland have already stopped sending mail to the US. Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany have paused acceptance of business parcels for the US, though DHL Express is still available. The Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium, and the UK have also taken similar steps to pause or limit shipments, citing confusion and unclear customs guidance.
Australia Post has temporarily stopped some transit parcels going through Australia to the US but will continue direct mail services. Lufthansa Cargo will no longer accept airmail articles bound for the US starting August 25 but will still handle other cargo types.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency issued a memo clarifying the new rules, including temporary flat fees ranging from $80 to $200 per package, depending on the country of origin. The fees will apply for the next six months as the system adjusts. CBP has also approved two companies to collect and pay duties on behalf of international postal carriers, though many remain worried about how smoothly things will work.
The changes have disrupted more than just postal services. Online marketplace Etsy plans to suspend its shipping label service for US-bound packages from Australia, Canada, and the UK starting August 25. The company advises sellers to use carriers like UPS and FedEx, which can handle customs duties more seamlessly. FedEx confirmed it will continue shipping to the US without interruption, while UPS has not commented.
This policy shift aims to close a loophole some believe is used to avoid tariffs and smuggle illegal goods. But it has left many unsure about how to comply. Industry experts warn that as more postal services halt shipments, buyers and sellers may face growing trouble getting packages into the US.
With just days left before the new rules start, uncertainty remains high. Postal operators, businesses, and consumers will now watch closely as this new chapter in international shipping unfolds.