Postal services in several countries suspend deliveries to U.S. amid end of duty-free rule

Postal services worldwide are suspending parcel deliveries to the United States as Washington prepares to end duty-free treatment for low-value imports on August 29. The U.S. announced in July it would scrap the “de minimis” exemption, which had allowed packages under $800 to enter with minimal paperwork.

India’s Ministry of Communications said parcel services to the U.S. would be halted from August 25, except for letters, documents, and gifts valued under $100. Korea Post also said it would stop accepting U.S.-bound parcels, citing the postal network’s inability to meet new tariff and declaration requirements, though premium services via private partners will continue at higher costs. Italy’s postal service confirmed a similar suspension, while regular mail without goods remains unaffected. Several other European services have already issued comparable notices.

Credit: CGTN