Posted on 08/23/25
| News Source: FOX News
Postal services in Europe and around the world plan to halt shipping merchandise to the U.S. as the Trump administration’s end of the de minimus tariff exemption goes into effect.
The "de minimus" exemption allowed internation carriers to ship goods valued under $800 to the U.S. without paying any duties.
The White House announced the end of the exemption weeks ago, linking it to fentanyl and other illicit drugs coming into the U.S.
DHL, Europe’s largest shipping provider, said in a statement on its website Friday that "Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the U.S." effective immediately.
The end of the exemption goes into effect Aug. 29.
DHL said its restrictions on packages would be temporary, explaining they were necessary because of "new processes required by U.S. authorities for postal shipping, which differ from the previously applicable regulations."
The company continued, "Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future, what additional data will be required, and how the data transmission to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be carried out."
Postal services in Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, France and Belgium have similarly said they plan to pause shipments to the U.S.
The U.K.’s Royal Mail has also temporarily paused shipments, according to the BBC.
Outside of Europe, Asian countries like Singapore and Thailand said their countries would also hold on shipments until there’s more clarity on the new rules.