Increasing Suspension of Postal Services to the US Amid New Customs Regulations
The number of postal operators halting services to the US is rising as the end of tariff exemptions for small parcels looms, now encompassing 25 countries, reports 24brussels.
This temporary suspension follows the expiration of the “de minimis” exemption on August 29, which previously allowed duty-free entry for goods worth less than €690. After this deadline, gifts valued up to €86 can still be sent from individuals in the EU to recipients in the US.
Last week, several European postal operators, including Belgium’s leading postal service bPost and the Swedish-Danish operator PostNord, announced their intention to cease deliveries to the US. Currently, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) confirms the number of countries suspending their operations has escalated to 25.
While the UPU advocates for each nation’s ability to implement customs policies, it acknowledges that the new US regulations will necessitate significant operational adjustments for postal operators globally. “The postal operators of 25 member countries have already advised the UPU that they have suspended their outbound postal services to the US, citing uncertainties specifically related to transit services,” the agency stated.
Among the countries that have ceased shipments are Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France, Japan, Germany, Australia, Italy, and Austria.
This disruption occurs alongside intensified transatlantic trade tensions, marked by a July agreement between Brussels and Washington imposing a 15% flat tariff on most European goods, exacerbating existing tariff and subsidy disputes.
The European Commission did not respond to requests for comment.
UPDATE: This article has been updated to include further information on gifts and documents.
