European Postal Carriers Halt U.S. Shipments Amid New Customs Rules

European postal services are suspending shipments to the U.S. following the abrupt termination of the de minimis exemption, a century-old provision allowing duty-free entry for packages under $800. The policy shift stems from a Trump-era executive order, now affecting all countries—not just China—with enforcement beginning this Friday.

Nine nations—Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Switzerland—have paused outbound U.S. deliveries. Logistics systems are unprepared for the new requirements, lacking clarity on fee structures, collection mechanisms, or data transmission protocols for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

DHL confirmed Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany have ceased U.S.-bound parcel services, citing unresolved operational questions. Only premium DHL Express remains available. Spain’s Correos and France’s La Poste face similar disruptions, compounding supply chain uncertainties.