What the end of de minimis means for your packages, your shop, and your wallet
European postal services suspend shipments to US addresses because new US tariffs take effect on August 29. PostNord in Sweden and Denmark and Omniva in Estonia have paused most goods parcels while they retool systems to collect customs duties and meet new data rules. Industry trade group PostEurop warns more operators may follow.
What Changed on the US Side
De minimis is the value threshold under which imports enter duty-free with simplified customs. The US threshold was $800. On July 30, 2025, a White House executive order suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries, effective August 29 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern. Shipments once exempt now require duties and detailed customs processing (White House EO, DHS).
A six-month grace period applies to international postal shipments, during which flat-rate duties by origin category will apply. After that, full ad valorem processing is required. Commercial carriers face immediate, full formal entries (Easyship).
Which Posts Are Pausing US Parcels
PostNord Sweden announced a temporary suspension of shipments containing goods to the US and Puerto Rico, effective August 23, 2025, with exceptions for gifts under $100, high-value parcels over $800, and letters without goods (PostNord Sweden). PostNord Denmark issued a similar pause starting August 23 (PostNord Denmark).
Omniva in Estonia halted parcel deliveries to the US from August 20, 2025. “In practice, this means customers cannot send items – such as products, goods, gifts – to the USA via Omniva. Letters and documents can still be sent,” said Sven Kukemelk, Acting Chief Commercial Officer (Omniva).
PostEurop cautioned that if compliant solutions are not ready, members may have to restrict or suspend US-bound goods shipments. “Members may be constrained to temporarily restrict or suspend the shipping of goods via the postal networks to the USA,” the trade group warned (PostEurop).
Independent media confirm that Royal Mail and DHL have also paused or limited some US deliveries while systems are updated (BBC; AP; Reuters).
Are Letters and Documents Affected?
Letters without goods continue as usual. Document mail moves unaffected. Exceptions for gifts and higher-value parcels differ by operator and will evolve as systems launch (PostNord Sweden; PostEurop; Omniva).
Why Posts Are Pausing, and Why Now
Operators cite an extremely tight runway: critical guidance arrived on August 15, 2025, leaving little time to update IT, duty-collection, and data flows. Who calculates, collects, and remits duties for millions of small parcels remains under discussion. Pausing avoids returns, seizures, or chaotic service failures (PostEurop; Easyship).
How This Hits Consumers and Small Businesses
Expect higher costs, delays, and service gaps. Small sellers relying on postal channels and low-value orders face new duties and paperwork that squeeze margins and slow delivery. E-commerce platforms may disable US label purchases for EU sellers until systems stabilize (BBC; PostNord Sweden).
Workarounds exist but carry higher costs: express carriers, formal entries for parcels over $800, or gifts under $100 in some cases (PostNord Sweden; Easyship).
Policy Context and the Debate
The administration argues ending de minimis closes loopholes exploited by drug traffickers and unfair traders. DHS called it a “major victory in securing borders and protecting consumers” (DHS). European posts counter that the abrupt timeline risks service disruption and penalises honest small businesses (PostEurop).
Proponents say stricter rules deter illicit trade. Critics warn blanket removal raises prices, shifts volumes to costlier channels, and harms small sellers.
What You Should Do Right Now
US shoppers should check sellers’ fulfillment methods, expect duties at delivery, and consider local alternatives. EU sellers and SMEs need to follow their post’s new CN22, HS code, and data requirements, estimate duties for key SKUs, and update customers. Consider carriers able to process formal entries or US third-party logistics for bestsellers. Communicate clearly about potential delays and extra charges.
Quick Facts
Effective date for US change: August 29, 2025.
What changed: Duty-free de minimis suspended for all countries.
Who paused: PostNord Sweden & Denmark, Omniva Estonia, with more possible.
What still moves: Letters, documents, some high-value parcels, some gift exceptions.
Impact: Higher costs, delays, short-term service gaps.
The Road Ahead
Operators and postal trade groups are racing to build compliant duty-collection and data systems. PostEurop and the USPS coordinate with customs authorities on shared solutions. Expect a patchwork in early weeks, followed by gradual service resumptions.
Speak up with representatives and trade groups for clear rules that stop abuse without crushing small sellers. Support local businesses navigating these changes. And keep checking your postal operator’s updates before you ship or buy.
