Global Mail Carriers Halt U.S. Deliveries: What You Need to Know About the New Duties

Postal services around the globe are stopping shipments to the U.S. due to confusion over new import duties starting this week. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that ends the “de minimis” loophole. This rule previously allowed goods worth up to $800 to enter the U.S. without duty.

With this change, starting Friday, personal gifts under $100 will still be duty-free, but other packages will face tariffs like standard imports. Many postal providers, including those in Belgium, Denmark, and New Zealand, have halted U.S. shipments until they can adjust their systems to meet the new requirements.

Countries like Germany, France, and India are also planning to suspend services soon. La Poste in France pointed out that the U.S. has not provided enough information or preparation time for these new customs procedures. New Zealand’s postal service announced that deliveries to the U.S. are temporarily unavailable as they update their systems.

DHL, a major global courier, will stop accepting parcels for U.S. shipping from business customers. They cite unclear processes for customs duties as a major concern. However, they will still deliver gifts valued under $100, following guidelines from the White House.

The decision to end the exemption is aimed at tackling issues like deceptive shipping and illegal materials, as officials claim the loophole was exploited to send illicit drugs, including fentanyl, into the U.S. The number of de minimis packages surged from 134 million in 2015 to more than 1.36 billion in 2024, prompting this change. Most of these packages came from mainland China and Hong Kong, places the administration targeted to reduce low-value imports from retailers like Temu and Shein.

Experts warn that this shift could lead to significant delays in getting goods into the U.S., especially as the holiday season approaches. Additionally, a survey conducted this month found that nearly 70% of small businesses using international shipping are worried about how these new tariffs will impact their sales.

The evolving landscape of global trade highlights the complexities of balancing security with commerce. As companies adapt to these rule changes, consumers might notice longer wait times for their purchases. Keeping an eye on how these policies unfold will be crucial for businesses and shoppers alike.

For more detailed insights on international shipping and customs regulations, you can refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

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