📦🚚 Ever ordered that K-beauty skincare from Korea, the latest sneakers from the US, or quirky gadgets for your startup hustle? Get ready for some delivery drama! Starting August 29, duty-free shipments under $800—aka the global "de minimis" rule—are history. Here's what the buzz is all about and why you should care.
On July 30, the US announced it will end the global "de minimis" exemption. That sweet shortcut—minimal paperwork and zero customs fees for parcels under $800—will no longer apply worldwide. In simple terms: smaller packages you send to friends or drop-ship from overseas stores just got more complicated (and pricey).
Several postal giants have already hit pause:
- 🇮🇳 India's Ministry of Communications will suspend parcel services to the US from August 25 (letters, docs, and gifts under $100 are still OK).
- 🇰🇷 Korea Post will stop accepting US-bound parcels. Premium courier options via private partners still work but cost extra.
- 🇮🇹 Poste Italiane has also halted parcel deliveries to the US. Standard mail without goods continues.
And many European services have joined in. If you're running a dropshipping hustle or sending care packages abroad, your workflow just got a plot twist.
💡 Quick tips to stay ahead:
- Split orders: Break big shipments into smaller batches under local free-gift thresholds.
- Use private couriers: They often handle customs for you—just brace for higher rates.
- Review platforms: Check if e-commerce sites now include customs fees at checkout. No more surprises!
Whether you're a small biz owner in Dhaka sourcing supplies from LA, a tech enthusiast in Jakarta stocking up on US gadgets, or just sending gifts to college buddies in the States—this change cuts across borders. Keep an eye on shipping updates from your local post office or favorite courier app.
Stay savvy, stay curious, and keep your global connections rolling—just with a bit more planning! 🌏💼
Reference(s):
Postal services in several countries suspend deliveries to U.S.
cgtn.com
