Global Postal Services Suspend U.S. Shipments as De Minimis Exemption Ends

Postal services in Japan and Switzerland have joined a growing list of international carriers suspending shipments to the United States this week, just days before Washington ends its long-standing “de minimis” exemption. The loophole, in place since 2016, permitted duty-free entry for imports valued under $800. From Friday, those goods will instead face country-specific tariffs, potentially adding hundreds of dollars in extra costs for buyers.

The abrupt change has rattled small businesses and consumers reliant on low-value imports. Some owners have warned they may be forced to shut down due to shipping backlogs and rising costs. Analysts caution that uncertainty over tariff collection and exemptions could further complicate global supply chains.

European carriers including Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany have also announced suspensions, citing unresolved questions about how customs duties will be collected, what data will be required, and how information will be transmitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Similar pauses have been confirmed by postal services in Australia, India, New Zealand, the U.K., and parts of Europe.

While some parcel operators are halting shipments to avoid goods being stranded at customs, private carriers like FedEx have pledged to step in, saying their priority is helping customers adjust to the new rules. The White House has defended the move, citing abuse of the exemption for illicit shipments, including fentanyl, and framing the measure as part of a broader trade enforcement agenda against China.