New US Customs Regulations Force European and Global Postal Operators to Pause Parcel Shipments

Postal Operators Halt Shipments to the United States Over New Customs Policies

The recent abolition of the de minimis exemption by the US government, which previously allowed low-value imports to enter duty-free, has thrown international parcel shipping into turmoil. Starting August 29, 2025, customs duties and paperwork requirements apply to all small shipments, compelling global postal operators—especially in Europe and Asia—to suspend or heavily restrict parcel services destined for the US.

The Shift in US Customs Rules and Their Ripple Effect

For years, small packages valued under $800 entered the US without import duties, helping streamlining international trade for businesses and individuals alike. However, this exemption has now been revoked under rules designed to tighten control over imports, citing concerns about smuggling and tariff evasion. This shift disrupts the long-standing system under the Universal Postal Convention, catching postal operators off-guard due to limited guidance and preparation time.

What complicates matters further is the new responsibility placed on airlines and other carriers to manage customs clearance—including duties and paperwork—instead of the US Postal Service (USPS), which previously handled these processes digitally. Airlines, traditionally focused on cargo and passenger transport, face daunting logistical and liability challenges, as they must adapt their systems and workflows on short notice.

Impact on European and Global Postal Services

Postal operators in Europe and parts of Asia have responded swiftly:

• Deutschland: Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany ceased accepting parcels from business customers bound for the US.
• Lithuania & Finland: Postal services suspended all shipments, including documents and gifts, citing airline embargoes on US-bound cargo.
• Malta: Requires all parcels sent to the US to be fully insured, warning of potential delays and interruptions.
• Czech Republic: Suspended acceptance of goods parcels except for small-value individual gifts under $100, with stricter customs declarations now mandatory.
• Nordic Countries: PostNord paused parcel shipments to the US and Puerto Rico, allowing only low-value gifts to pass temporarily.
• Other nations: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Belgium, France, Austria, the UK, and more are also experiencing similar suspensions or restrictions.

Table: Summary of Major Postal Service Restrictions to US Shipments

Challenges Faced by Carriers and Shippers

Airlines, now thrust into a new customs role, have shown reluctance due to the increased liability and costly system upgrades required to handle import duties properly. Without clear, comprehensive guidelines from US Customs and Border Protection, many carriers have opted to suspend US-bound postal shipments altogether. This creates a domino effect of disruptions in international logistics, impacting delivery timeliness and increasing costs for businesses relying on cross-border trade.

Furthermore, individual consumers sending gifts and e-commerce sellers shipping small parcels face the brunt of these changes with possible delays and added expenses. Postal operators are still trying to negotiate workable solutions with US authorities but emphasize that until clarity and cooperation improve, service suspensions may continue.

What This Means for International Logistics

This upheaval in postal parcel services serves as a stark reminder of how sudden regulatory changes reverberate through the complex web of global freight and mail logistics. The extra layer of customs processing and the necessity for carriers to double as customs brokers pose risks not just operationally, but also financially, as companies may need to invest heavily in compliance infrastructure.

In practical terms, logistics coordinators and businesses involved in international freight forwarder services, cargo hauling, and courier operations will need to navigate longer clearance times, potential rerouting, and increased documentation. This complexity underscores the importance of reliable and affordable freight transport platforms that adapt quickly to shifting regulations.

How Platforms Like GetTransport.com Can Help

GetTransport.com stands out as a versatile, global logistics platform connecting shippers with cost-effective transport solutions. Whether moving offices, delivering cargo, relocating homes, or handling large, bulky shipments including vehicles and furniture, this platform can provide alternatives amid postal suspensions. By tapping into GetTransport.com’s extensive network, businesses and individuals can secure dependable options for their shipments, minimizing the impact of regulatory disruptions.

Personal Experience vs. Reviews: Why Direct Use Is Key

While industry announcements and expert reviews provide valuable insights into these such developments, nothing compares to firsthand experience when selecting a shipping or courier service. GetTransport.com empowers users with transparent pricing, extensive choices, and user-friendly booking options, allowing for informed decisions without the surprise of hidden fees or delays. Its seamless interface and global reach facilitate smooth international logistics, perfectly suited for navigating challenging periods such as these postal suspensions.

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Looking Ahead: Logistics Adaptation to Customs Changes

Globally, the new US customs limitations impose additional challenges rather than sweeping disruptions for international logistics. Many operators and carriers outside the postal realm continue to provide alternatives for freight and cargo transport. However, this policy push clearly signals the need for logistics players to stay agile and proactive. Anticipating regulatory changes and leveraging platforms like GetTransport.com will become critical for maintaining smooth operations.

GetTransport.com stays attuned to such evolving landscapes, ensuring that shippers remain informed and supported no matter how customs and freight forwarding requirements shift. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Schlussfolgerung

The end of the US de minimis exemption challenges postal operators worldwide, forcing suspensions and new regulations that complicate the flow of parcels into the US. Airlines must now shoulder customs duties and paperwork, causing major logistical hurdles and service interruptions. This situation underlines the interconnectedness of international shipping, freight logistics, and customs compliance.

For businesses and consumers facing these disruptions, platforms like GetTransport.com offer a lifeline—combining affordability, reliability, and convenience for a broad range of shipping needs. Whether moving parcels, bulky items, or coordinating complex freight shipments, leveraging such services can simplify logistics and mitigate the impact of changing customs rules. In this ever-shifting environment, staying flexible and informed is paramount for success in global transport and delivery.