Several Countries, Including India, France, and UK, Halt Postal Deliveries to U.S.

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Several nations, including India, France, and the United Kingdom, have temporarily suspended postal shipments to the United States, effective from August 29, 2025. The move comes after the U.S. government eliminated the long-standing “de minimis” exemption, which allowed goods valued below $800 to enter the country duty-free. Under the new rules, such items are now subject to customs duties and stricter import procedures, prompting confusion and operational challenges for international postal operators.

The de minimis exemption had been in place for nearly a century and was formally withdrawn through Executive Order No. 14324, signed on July 30, 2025. Postal services worldwide are now adjusting to the requirement that duties be prepaid and shipments properly documented before reaching the U.S. The sudden policy change has left postal administrations scrambling to adapt, with many expressing concerns about unclear guidance and insufficient time to implement the new processes.

In India, postal authorities announced that only letters, documents, and gift items valued under $100 will be permitted for shipment to the United States. Shipments of other merchandise have been temporarily halted until new procedures are clarified. Indian e-commerce operators and exporters warn that this pause will disrupt the flow of goods and affect businesses that rely on small international shipments.

European postal services have faced similar challenges. Germany’s Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel suspended merchandise shipments from business customers, although express services remain operational. Belgium’s bpost, Spain’s Correos, and France’s La Poste have halted certain mail deliveries to the U.S., pending clarification on customs compliance. The UK’s Royal Mail has also paused deliveries while upgrading its systems to handle the new requirements.

The new regulations are expected to have far-reaching consequences for global e-commerce. Platforms and small businesses that relied on the de minimis exemption for cost-effective cross-border shipping now face additional duties, increased administrative burdens, and delayed deliveries. International shipping companies warn that the disruption could continue until postal services and customs agencies finalize standardized procedures for prepaying tariffs and documenting shipments.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has yet to release further clarifications, leaving international postal services and traders uncertain about compliance requirements. Organizations representing postal administrations in Europe and Asia have requested clearer guidance and additional time to implement the changes effectively, citing the potential for significant delays and logistical complications.

The suspension of postal services also affects consumers sending gifts, documents, and small parcels to friends and family in the United States. Many are likely to experience delays or the need to reroute shipments through courier services that are able to handle prepayment of duties. Analysts note that unless the U.S. provides clearer operational guidance, the situation could continue to disrupt trade and postal traffic for weeks or months.

Officials from the affected countries are in discussions with U.S. authorities to resolve the issues and restore regular postal operations. Meanwhile, businesses and consumers are urged to stay informed about updated requirements and explore alternative shipping methods to ensure timely delivery. The coordinated suspension highlights the global implications of U.S. customs policy and underscores the challenges that sudden regulatory changes can pose to international trade and postal networks.