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4h ago

Global Postal Services Halt Most U.S.-Bound Parcels as De Minimis Ends Friday

Unresolved U.S. customs rules on duty collection and data transmission are prompting suspensions, with carriers rushing to set up prepaid solutions.

Amanda Follett opens packages at A Sight For Sore Eyes, a brick-and-mortar and ecommerce store for sport goggles, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in West Linn, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
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Overview

  • The Universal Postal Union says about 25 member states have suspended goods consignments to the U.S. and has raised disruption concerns in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio dated Aug. 25.
  • Australia Post has halted most U.S.-bound parcels effective Aug. 26 until further notice, exempting letters, documents and gifts under $100, and is building a CBP‑authorised prepaid-duty option with a third-party provider.
  • Royal Mail has paused parcels but plans to launch a US Postal Delivered Duties Paid service this week, keeping postage rates while adding a 50p per‑parcel clearance fee.
  • Starting Aug. 29, packages that previously qualified for de minimis will incur country‑of‑origin tariffs or, for six months, fixed fees of roughly $80, $160 or $200 per item based on tariff bands.
  • DHL, Swiss Post, Japan Post and others cite unresolved questions over who collects duties and required data transfers, while FedEx and some intermediaries say they will help shippers navigate prepayment and keep limited channels open.