The Policy Change Sending Shockwaves Through Global Logistics
On 29 August 2025, the United States officially ended its de minimis duty exemption, which had previously allowed low-value imports (under $800) to enter the country without incurring duties, taxes, or fees. This landmark shift, enacted by presidential order, now mandates that nearly all international parcels are subject to full customs assessment.
Several international postal operators—including services in Germany, the UK, France, Japan, Korea, and Australia—have suspended outbound shipments to the U.S., citing lack of implementation guidance, system readiness, and tariff code complexity.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has stepped in to coordinate efforts across member countries, but resolution timelines remain uncertain.
📰 Read more via AP: Postal services that suspended U.S. shipments need time to prepare for new tariffs – AP News
What is the De Minimis Exemption—and Why Does It Matter?
The de minimis exemption allowed e-commerce shipments below a set threshold (USD $800 in the U.S.) to bypass import duties and taxes. This encouraged small parcel trade, supported cross-border online sellers, and enabled affordable global delivery via postal channels.
The removal of this exemption now means:
- Every parcel to the U.S. must be declared and assessed for duties.
- Customs documentation must be complete and accurate.
- Delays and additional fees are likely.
- Postal operators must integrate new compliance processes—from HS code labelling to tax collection on delivery.
For online platforms and global merchants, this could mean higher delivery costs, longer transit times, and risk of returns due to unpaid taxes.
Who’s Affected by the Suspension?
According to the UPU, the following operators have halted or restricted small parcel flows to the U.S.:
- La Poste (France)
- Japan Post
- Australia Post
- Korea Post
- Deutsche Post/DHL (Germany)
- Royal Mail (UK) – partial limitations
These operators have signalled that systems and staff are not yet equipped to process low-value U.S.-bound shipments under the new duty rules. Others may follow if no interim solutions are found.
🚚 NG Terminal: Ensuring Continuity for Cross-Border Trade
At NG Terminal, we understand the challenges this poses for businesses involved in e-commerce, fulfilment, and cross-border delivery. That’s why we’ve put rapid response measures in place to support our clients through this transition.
- Alternative Routing via Commercial Couriers
While some postal channels are paused, NG Terminal works closely with DHL, FedEx, DPD, Royal Mail Tracked, and EVRI, offering non-postal routing options with active compliance handling.
Our team ensures that your goods still reach the U.S. with full customs documentation, tracking, and payment channels in place.
- Full Customs Brokerage Support
We handle customs declarations, tariff classification, and HS code compliance on your behalf—whether you’re shipping direct-to-consumer or through third-party platforms.
For businesses new to U.S. import rules, our brokerage team provides guidance on IOR setup, POA requirements, and duty payment options.
- Heathrow ETSF & Bonded Storage
Our Heathrow-based ETSF facility enables you to hold goods in the UK duty-suspended, pending documentation, customer confirmation, or alternative fulfilment strategies. This avoids unnecessary delays and gives you more control.
- MyNGT Digital Portal
Track every step of your shipment—from clearance to delivery—with our MyNGT platform. Access documents, tax records, PODs, and receive real-time updates on carrier routing and customs status.
What Can Businesses Do Right Now?
To mitigate impact from the postal service disruption, consider these immediate actions:
- Review your shipping strategy: Consider switching from postal to courier-based routing for U.S. orders.
- Update product and tariff databases: Ensure that all SKUs are matched with the correct HS codes and declared values.
- Educate your customers: Inform U.S. buyers of potential delays or changes in customs fee responsibility.
- Partner with a compliant logistics provider: NG Terminal offers the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure to navigate this transition smoothly.
Don’t Let Compliance Disruption Derail Growth
Trade policy will continue to evolve—but your business doesn’t have to stand still.
NG Terminal is committed to helping you navigate complexity with confidence. From bonded warehousing and customs clearance to parcel routing and digital visibility, we’re ready to support your cross-border ambitions.
📩 Contact our team at ngtbd@ng-terminal.com
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