European Postal Services Freeze Shipment of Packages to U.S.

The end of an exemption on tariff duties for low-value packages entering the United States is prompting many international postal services to pause shipments as they await clarity on the new rules, Demetris Bellas and Mae Anderson reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Royal Mail announced it would withdraw current U.S. export services for businesses starting Tuesday. (Photo: Royal Mail Facebook)

The exemption, known as the “de minimis” rule, allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free. In 2024, a total of 1.36 billion packages worth $64.6 billion were shipped under this provision, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The disruption could delay deliveries from affected nations and potentially add tariffs of $80 or more per product, Mike Heuer and Allen Cone reported for United Press International (UPI).

Politico noted, however, that the suspensions will not affect letters or small parcels valued at less than $100 in many countries.

Royal Mail and Germany’s DHL said they would suspend deliveries until proper systems are in place to handle the new rules. Royal Mail announced it would withdraw current U.S. export services for businesses starting Tuesday but added it hopes to launch a compliant system within two days.

“We have been working hard with U.S. authorities and international partners to adapt our services to meet the new U.S. de minimis requirements so U.K. consumers and businesses can continue to use our services when they come into effect,” the company told Rachel Clun of BBC News.