Global e-commerce and cross-border logistics are facing a perfect storm. With the U.S. revoking its long-standing "de minimis" tariff exemption, UPS is rolling out new charges for import processing, and many countries are pausing mail.

Here’s what’s transpiring this week

UPS’s New Import Charges

UPS's New Import Charges

Effective August 29, 2025, UPS® Standard shipments from Canada importing into the U.S. will face an additional Entry Preparation Charge:

• $10.00 for imports with a value for duty between $0.00–$200.00
• $20.00 for imports between $200.01–$800.00

And, effective September 8, select premium services for UPS Worldwide Express®, UPS Worldwide Express Plus®, UPS Worldwide Express NA1® will face an International Processing Fee of $2.50 per shipment.

These charges reflect the growing complexity and cost of customs handling for the carrier.

Global Response: Countries Are Suspending Mail to the U.S.

As of this week, a wave of countries has suspended or limited postal shipments to the U.S. as a direct response to the U.S. government’s tariff policy shift.

Causing this reaction is the U.S. revoking its tariff exemption on lower-value packages, which previously allowed goods under $800 to enter duty-free. Beginning August 27, many postal services announced they would stop accepting parcels that include consumer goods for sale or gifts worth over $100.

For national postal systems accustomed to streamlined duty-free handling, the new customs requirement creates operational chaos. Many countries have chosen to suspend shipments altogether until they can adapt.

Some exemptions remain, with letters, documents, and personal gifts under $100 often still permitted but subject to stricter controls. Most of the suspensions are officially “temporary,” but no clear timeline exists for any type of full restoration.

It should be noted that this is likely a long-term change and is a structural shift in how goods move across borders.

Staying informed, reviewing shipping methods, and budgeting for new fees will be necessary for shippers moving forward. This situation is evolving quickly, so be sure to follow our BLOG for more parcel news and supply chain updates.