France postal service suspends US package deliveries ahead of new tariffs

France’s state-owned postal service, La Poste, has suspended the shipment of commercial parcels to the United States as of August 25, aligning with similar decisions made by other European postal operators in anticipation of new US import duties set to take effect on August 29.

Only gift parcels sent by private individuals and valued at less than $100 will continue to be accepted for shipment, La Poste announced, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

The move comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding US customs procedures following a recent decree signed by President Donald Trump. The order ends the long-standing “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed international goods valued under $800 to enter the US duty-free. Under the new framework, such goods will now be subject to tariffs, with a 15% rate imposed on the vast majority of products shipped from the European Union.

Postal operators across Europe have expressed frustration with the lack of clarity and time provided by US authorities to implement the new measures. In a statement, La Poste explained, “Despite discussions with US customs services, no time was provided to postal operators to re-organise and assure the necessary computer updates to conform to the new rules.”

The French postal service added that US authorities had failed to provide full details of the customs changes, leaving operators unable to guarantee that shipments would arrive before the duties are enforced. As a result, commercial shipments have been suspended to avoid non-compliance and potential disruptions at US borders.

Postal services in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Austria, and the United Kingdom have announced similar suspensions. Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany ceased accepting business parcels to the US, stating they “will no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the US.”

Italy’s postal operator, Poste Italiane, confirmed a temporary suspension starting August 23. “In the absence of different instructions from US authorities ... Poste Italiane will be forced, like other European postal operators, to temporarily suspend acceptance of all shipments containing goods destined for the United States, starting August 23. Mail shipments not containing merchandise will continue to be accepted,” the company said Friday. Shipping via private services such as DHL Express remains possible, it added.

Sweden’s PostNord also paused commercial shipments over the weekend. Björn Bergman, head of PostNord’s Group Brand and Communication, said the decision was “unfortunate but necessary to ensure full compliance of the newly implemented rules.”

In the Netherlands, PostNL spokesperson Wout Witteveen voiced concern over the US’ readiness to enforce the new tariffs. “The Trump administration is pressing ahead with the new duties despite US authorities lacking a system to collect them,” he said, adding, “If you have something to send to America, you should do it today.”

Austria’s leading logistics provider, Austrian Post, announced that August 26 would mark the final day for accepting commercial parcels destined for the US, including Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Royal Mail will follow suit on August 26. “To allow time for those packages to arrive before duties kick in,” the Royal Mail said, it would halt shipments of goods to the US Items valued over $100 originating from the UK will be subject to a 10% duty once the new rules take effect.

PostEurop, an association representing 51 European public postal operators, warned that if no resolution is reached before the August 29 deadline, further restrictions could be implemented across its entire network. “All of its members will likely restrict shipments,” the group stated.

As the deadline approaches, exporters and consumers alike face a period of disruption, with postal services urging clarity from Washington to avoid a complete breakdown in transatlantic parcel shipments.

By Vafa Guliyeva