Deutsche Post suspends parcel shipments to the U.S., but express parcel services with DHL Express continue.

 

The new regulations, established by the Executive Order "Suspension of Customs Duty Exemption Treatment for All Countries", have forced Deutsche Post to stop transporting packages and postal items from business customers to United States since August 22. The suspension, which is expected to be temporary, responds to the new and complex processes required by U.S. authorities.

 

According to the company, there are still "key unresolved issues" regarding how and by whom the fees will be collected, what additional data will be required, and how the information will be transmitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 

Postal mail (letters and documents) is not affected by the measure, and shipments between individuals declared as "gifts" with a value of up to $100 can still be sent. However, these shipments will be subject to "even stricter controls" to prevent them from being used to disguise commercial goods.

 

Differences between postal and commercial customs clearance

 

The main difference lies in the previous tariff exemption threshold, known as "De Minimis," which allowed the import of low-value goods (up to $800) without customs duties. This threshold will be eliminated as of August 29.

 

Postal customs clearance, which was previously handled by domestic companies under special agreements and a more streamlined process, will no longer be available for commercial shipments or those valued over $100.

 

On the other hand, commercial customs clearance, which is the service offered by DHL Express, will remain operational, but all shipments, including those with a value under $100, will be subject to tariffs. For goods originating in Germany, and European Union, the expected tariff rate will be 15% of the value of the merchandise, although some product categories could have higher tariffs.

 

DHL Express, acting as a customs broker in the US, will handle the declaration of goods, and payment of duties will be made according to the Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) agreed between the sender and the recipient, which specify the responsibility for the costs and risks of shipment.

 

The DHL Group, in contact with the US authorities and its European partners, is closely monitoring the situation with the aim of resuming postal shipments as soon as possible. European Postal Services Association (PostEurop) has also announced that its members will have to temporarily restrict or suspend shipments to the U.S.