US Postal Shipments Update: Why Many Posts Paused Parcels — and What It Means for You

The United States is ending the long-standing de minimis duty-free entry for low-value imports. As a result, many postal operators around the world have temporarily paused parcels with goods bound for the US while they adapt their systems. Below we explain what changed, who paused shipments, what’s still allowed, and what customers should expect.

Key takeaways

• From August 29, 2025, the US ends the de minimis exemption for most low-value imports.
• Postal operators must now collect duties/taxes in advance from senders and remit them to US Customs (CBP).
• Many posts have paused or restricted US parcels while they implement new processes. Letters/documents are not affected.
• For an interim period, postal shipments may face tariffs (10–50%) or a flat duty of $80–$200 per parcel, depending on routing and rules applied.
• Exceptions: bona fide gifts under $100 (person-to-person), and some operators note handling for shipments over $800. Always check your local post’s notice.

Sources: UPU press release, Washington Post explainer, AP News.

What changed on August 29, 2025?

The US is eliminating duty-free treatment for low-value goods that previously entered under the de minimis threshold. Postal operators are now expected to collect and remit duties/taxes before parcels arrive in the US. Due to the short implementation window, multiple national posts have paused or limited US-bound parcels with goods while they update IT and clearance workflows.

Learn more: UPU on new requirements · Legal briefing (White & Case) · Consumer impact (WaPo)

Who has paused or restricted US postal parcels?

Below is a running list of postal operators and regions that have announced temporary pauses or restrictions. (We’ll update as more official notices appear.)

Europe

• Sweden: PostNord — temporary pause for postal items containing goods to the US & Puerto Rico (from Aug 23). Notice · EN summary
• Germany: Deutsche Post / DHL Parcel — business parcels paused (DHL Express unaffected). Press release
• France: La Poste — suspension of parcels; exception for bona fide gifts under $100. Help page · Le Monde
• Belgium: bpost — temporary pause of postal shipments to the US. Press
• Austria: Austrian Post — halting standard parcels to the US (gifts & premium services noted as exceptions). Reuters
• Finland: Posti — suspension and guidance notice. Notice · Yle
• Norway: Posten Bring — reported pause/limits. Round-up
• Latvia: Latvia Pasts — plans to halt small packages to the US. PostEurop
• Estonia: Omniva — temporary suspension of parcel deliveries to the US. PostEurop

Asia & Oceania

• Japan: Japan Post — temporary suspension of acceptance of mail with goods to the US. Official notice
• Australia: Australia Post — temporary pause of US-bound parcels; letters/documents unaffected. Reuters
• Singapore & Korea: reported restrictions/pauses noted in industry round-ups. Supply Chain Dive

Americas & Pacific Territories

• Mexico: Correos de México — suspension of postal packages to the US. AP News · Politico
• French Polynesia: Fare Rata — suspension of goods to the US. Tahiti Infos

Broader coverage and live updates: The Guardian · Business Insurance · NPR/WBHM

What’s still allowed via the postal network?

• Letters/documents (no goods) — unaffected.
• Bona fide gifts under $100 (sender and recipient are private individuals) — commonly cited as an exception.
• Some operators note handling for shipments over $800 via different processes (check your operator’s notice).

References: PostNord, UPU.

What to expect on costs and timing

• Duties/Taxes now apply to most postal parcels (no more duty-free entry for low-value goods).
• During a transition period, some postal flows may use a flat duty ($80–$200) per parcel instead of a percentage, depending on the route and operator.
• Expect longer transit times while systems and data integrations (prepayment, HS codes, electronic customs) are rolled out.

Coverage: Washington Post · AP News · Supply Chain Dive

What about express couriers?

Express networks (e.g., DHL Express) continue operating, but all shipments must clear customs with full duties/taxes and data requirements. Postal-network pauses do not automatically apply to private couriers, though product-category policies may still restrict certain goods.

More detail: DHL statement (Express unaffected)

What we’re doing for customers

• We’ve paused US postal parcels until compliant solutions are in place.
• We’re evaluating prepaid duties/taxes (DDP) options and express alternatives to reduce surprises and delays.
• We’ll keep this page updated as operators publish new guidance and systems go live.

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