Nations' Postal Services Pause Shipments to US

Sending a package to the US just got a lot more complicated, as postal services across Europe and India suspend shipments in response to new import tariffs and a lack of clear guidance on customs rules. Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy have already suspended shipments, with France, Austria, and the UK set to follow soon, CBS News reports. India is also pausing shipments, except for letters, documents, and gifts under $100.

The move is driven by a US decree signed last month that subjects all international goods—previously duty-free if valued under $800—to tariffs starting Aug. 29. Only letters, books, and small parcels under $100 remain exempt. The US and EU recently agreed to a 15% tariff on most goods shipped from Europe. European postal organizations say they're unable to guarantee parcels will reach the US before the new rules take effect, citing confusion over which items are affected and inadequate time to adjust their systems. Deutsche Post, DHL Parcel Germany, PostNord, and Poste Italiane have all issued similar statements, noting they'll continue handling non-merchandise mail.

The UK's Royal Mail said it would halt US shipments on Tuesday "to allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in." Items originating in the UK will require a 10% duty for items over $100, it said. "Despite discussions with the US customs services, no time was granted to postal operators to organize themselves and ensure the necessary IT developments for compliance with the new established rules," Le Monde quoted France's La Post as saying, per Politico Europe. The Netherlands' PostNL said US authorities have yet to establish a system for collecting duties. India's communications ministry echoed these concerns, stating critical details on who qualifies to collect and remit tariffs remain undefined, leading air carriers to suspend US-bound postal consignments.