Why Shipments Are Paused

Postal operators in Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland are temporarily suspending certain shipments to the United States as the “de minimis” exemption — which previously allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free — comes to a global end.

The suspension affects mostly low-value commercial shipments, while letters and personal gifts are largely excluded. Carriers say their systems are not yet ready to comply with the new customs requirements, creating uncertainty about duty collection and data reporting to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Background on the De Minimis Exemption

The de minimis rule, in effect for more than a century, has long allowed U.S. consumers to import small parcels without paying tariffs. The exemption for goods from China and Hong Kong ended in May, and the Trump administration’s executive order now extends the change globally starting this Friday.

Historically, the bulk of de minimis shipments came from Asia, particularly from platforms like Shein and Temu, which relied on low-cost shipping to U.S. consumers. Since the May change, demand has fallen for these retailers as tariffs and shipping costs increase.

European Postal Carriers Respond

Germany’s DHL announced that Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany would pause U.S.-bound shipments under $800. The company cited unresolved questions about customs duty collection, data reporting requirements, and coordination with airlines. DHL Express shipments remain available at a higher cost.

Spain’s Correos, Belgium Post, and France’s La Poste issued similar statements, citing the need to overhaul internal systems and implement stricter shipment controls. Correos noted that the detailed requirements were only communicated on August 15, leaving little time for adjustment. Finland’s Posti halted shipments over the weekend and later expanded the suspension to gifts and letters after airlines declined to transport these items.

All carriers anticipate the suspensions to be temporary, though some delivery delays are expected for smaller orders and direct-to-consumer European businesses.

Implications for E-Commerce

The pause primarily impacts small-scale shipments from European sellers to U.S. consumers, rather than large retailers who ship via containers and already pay tariffs. Platforms like Temu and Shein, which previously leveraged the de minimis exemption for low-cost international sales, have already seen declines in order volume following the end of the China exemption.

American shoppers ordering from small European businesses may experience longer wait times and higher costs, though most large-scale trade flows are expected to remain unaffected.

Looking Ahead

Postal carriers are working to update their systems and comply with the new regulations, aiming to resume shipments as quickly as possible. The end of the de minimis exemption reflects broader U.S. efforts to increase tariff collections and ensure that all imported goods, regardless of value, contribute to federal revenue.

Industry analysts expect that the change will reshape low-value cross-border e-commerce, encouraging sellers to adjust pricing and shipping strategies while preparing for new customs processes.

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