European carriers halt deliveries to US: end of 'de minimis' era
European carriers halt deliveries to US: end of 'de minimis' era
The end of the US de minimis exemption (duty exemption for parcels under $800) is causing a chain reaction around the world.
European postal services are temporarily stopping small parcel shipments to the US because their systems are not ready for the new requirements.
The decision will hit cross-border online commerce, especially small sellers and marketplaces that built their business model on duty-free deliveries.
European postal services are temporarily stopping small parcel shipments to the US because their systems are not ready for the new requirements.
The decision will hit cross-border online commerce, especially small sellers and marketplaces that built their business model on duty-free deliveries.
What happened?
For decades, the rule was that packages worth less than $800 could be sent to the United States without duties or complicated declarations. This rule became the basis for “small flows” of e-commerce, especially from China, which dominated the segment.In May 2025, the exemption was lifted for China and Hong Kong.
Now, with Donald Trump's decree, the ban extends to the entire world.
European operators (DHL, Correos, La Poste, Posti, etc.) have announced en masse that they will suspend delivery of low-cost parcels to the US until their systems are adapted.
European carriers halt deliveries to US: end of 'de minimis' era
Why is this important?
Logistics is in chaos - carriers do not know how to correctly collect and transfer duties. DHL has stated directly that "key issues remain unresolved".E-commerce is under attack — small sellers and marketplaces like Shein and Temu, which previously actively used the “loophole,” are losing their competitive advantage. Their prices have already started to rise.
US buyers will face delays and higher costs for European orders.
Practical examples
Correos (Spain) : suspended US deliveries on August 19, citing lack of time to rebuild systems.DHL/Deutsche Post (Germany) : refused to accept parcels to the USA, leaving only DHL Express (much more expensive).
La Poste (France) and Belgium Post : have temporarily suspended shipments.
Posti (Finland) : stopped accepting even letters and gifts because airlines refused to carry mail to the US.
Who will this affect?
Small European businesses selling directly to American customers.US shoppers are accustomed to cheap and fast shipping.
Marketplaces from China (Shein, Temu) that have lost their main tool for keeping prices low.
Large retailers will hardly feel the impact, as they have long been working through container deliveries with the payment of duties.
Forecast for 1-2 years
Declaration automation: European postal services to implement digital solutions for data transmission to CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).Price increases in e-commerce: goods will become more expensive by at least 10–20% due to duties and higher shipping costs.
Development of local warehouses: Companies will open more hubs in the US to bypass new barriers.
Trading pace: a short-term decline is expected, but in 1–2 years the market will stabilize due to the adaptation of technologies and logistics.
By Miles Harrington
August 26, 2025
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