GTPA Global Trade Update for SMEs

26.08.2025 Lisa McAuley, CEO
GTPA Global Trade Update for SMEs

U.S. De Minimis Rule Change Disrupts Postal Parcels — What SMEs Need to Know 

+ New e-Commerce Survival Toolkit

The short version

  • From 29 August 2025, the U.S. suspends its $800 de minimis duty-free threshold for imports.
  • National postal operators across Europe, Asia, and beyond have temporarily paused acceptance of U.S.-bound parcels, citing uncertainty over trade documentation, data requirements, and duty collection processes.
  • Courier/express operators (DHL Express, FedEx, UPS) continue to move shipments, but often on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) basis.
  • The GTPA has released a new e-Commerce Survival Toolkit to help SMEs navigate compliance, logistics, and scaling strategies during this transition.

Why postal operators are pausing parcels

On 30 July 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order ending the de minimis provision (Section 321). From 12:01 a.m. EDT, 29 August, all shipments—regardless of value—are subject to duty, tax, and full customs clearance.

Postal operators have warned of:

  • Lack of clarity on which party (post, broker, or third-party remitter) collects duties.
  • Unclear technical requirements for transmitting item-level HS codes and trade data.
  • Insufficient lead time to reconfigure systems and labels.

Confirmed postal operators pausing U.S. parcel services (as of 26 Aug 2025)

  • Australia – Australia Post: Suspended some transit routes via AU; direct AU→US mail still available.
  • Austria – Österreichische Post: Final acceptance of goods to USA 25 Aug; documents OK; Post Express available.
  • Belgium – bpost: Temporary stop on U.S. parcels.
  • Czech Republic – Česká pošta: Stopping selected goods shipments to USA.
  • Denmark & Sweden – PostNord: Suspension of parcels; documents still accepted.
  • France – La Poste: Paused U.S. parcel services amid uncertainty (AFP/Le Monde).
  • Germany – Deutsche Post / DHL Paket: Paused business parcels/Warenpost; DHL Express unaffected; gifts ≤ USD 100 still allowed.
  • Japan – Japan Post: Halting certain small-packet services.
  • Malta – MaltaPost: Temporary suspension.
  • Singapore – SingPost: Earlier suspended >USD800 items; monitoring full changeover.
  • Spain – Correos: Updated notice reflecting suspension/changes.
  • Switzerland – Swiss Post: Temporary suspension.
  • United Kingdom – Royal Mail: Planned 1–2 day pause this week to transition systems, then resume.

    Note: Other operators (Canada Post, NZ Post) have issued guidance but not full suspensions. Check your local post’s alerts before dispatch.

    What SMEs should do now

    1. Check operator service alerts before shipping.
    2. Use express carriers with DDP options for critical orders.
    3. Upgrade data quality: include HS codes, COO, values in USD, full consignee details.
    4. Budget for duties/handling fees: decide if you or your buyer pays.
    5. Update storefronts with import duties info and revised delivery timelines.
    6. Explore U.S. fulfilment (3PL) for bestsellers to maintain continuity.

    FAQ for SMEs

    Does this kill all post-to-US shipping?
    No. Most pauses are temporary while systems/data flows are rebuilt. Letters/documents generally continue; many posts still offer express (integrator) services.

    Will there be a carve-out for gifts?
    Some operators (e.g., Germany) allow gifts ≤ USD 100 from private senders, but with extra scrutiny. This is operator-specific and may change. Check your post’s latest notice.

    What trade data will I need?
    Plan for full customs data (accurate HS codes, COO, values), and be ready to pre-pay duties (DDP) where required.

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