Eng
The looming suspension of the United States’ de minimis exemption for low-value imports is already reshaping cross-border logistics. Postal networks in multiple European countries are halting shipments to the US, freight forwarders are warning of “the largest paperwork shock in a decade”, and e-commerce platforms are scrambling for workarounds.
From 29 August, all non-postal consignments valued under $800 will lose duty-free status under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. Every package must instead pass through full US customs entry, attracting all applicable duties, taxes and fees.
This follows a reciprocal tariff order that took effect on 7 August, introducing new duties on imports from the EU and the UK.
Postal providers across Europe are suspending shipments to the US amid uncertainty about how duties will be collected. Forwarders turn to Canada and Mexico as gateways.
The removal of de minimis is expected to reroute more than a billion parcels annually into formal customs processes. US brokers have described the change as “the largest paperwork shock in a decade”, pointing to millions of informal entries that will now require full classification.
For European businesses, the end of de minimis means higher compliance costs, longer transit times and uncertainty over enforcement. Many exporters may be forced to consolidate small parcels into full container loads, shifting volumes from air freight to ocean freight.
Analysts warn that such strategies may offer opportunities for larger forwarders while squeezing out smaller exporters.
Source: trans.info