Postal services across Europe are halting shipments to the United States as a duty-free exemption for low-value packages is set to expire. The exemption, known as the "de minimis" rule, allows packages valued at $800 or less to enter the U.S. without incurring additional taxes. This exemption will end on August 29, prompting confusion and concern among international postal services.

On Saturday, postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy announced immediate suspensions of shipments to the U.S. France and Austria plan to follow suit by early next week, while the U.K.'s Royal Mail will stop shipments on Tuesday. The decision affects millions of packages, as the U.S. Postal Service's Office of Inspector General reported over 3 billion inbound packages in 2021.

The suspension is a direct response to President Donald Trump's executive order, which aims to eliminate the exemption for all countries, a policy already in place for China and Hong Kong. The order, issued on July 30, is part of a broader effort to combat the trade of fentanyl and enhance national security.

Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany stated, "After August 22, 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." The Association of European Postal Services, PostEurop, expressed similar concerns, indicating that uncertainty surrounding the new import duties has led to these temporary shipping restrictions.

The new rules require international carriers to collect and remit duties to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP outlined two methodologies for duty collection, which vary based on the tariff rate of the country of origin. For instance, items from countries with a tariff rate below 16 percent will incur an $80 fee per item, while those with rates above 25 percent will face a $200 fee.

The recent trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union also imposes a 15 percent tariff on most goods shipped from Europe, further complicating the situation for smaller sellers and local artisans who may find shipping costs prohibitive.

DHL noted that key questions remain unanswered regarding customs duties collection and data transmission to U.S. authorities. The company stated, "Key questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding how and by whom customs duties will be collected in the future."

Poste Italiane announced it would suspend all shipments containing goods destined for the U.S. starting August 23, while still accepting mail shipments without merchandise. Other postal services, including PostNord in the Nordic region, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for compliance with the new regulations.

As the deadline approaches, postal services are urging customers to send packages as soon as possible to avoid delays. The uncertainty surrounding the new import duties has left many postal operators scrambling to adapt to the changes.