1. What's Changed and Why It Matters:
Effective date: On August 29, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the U.S. officially ended the Duty-Free De Minimis exemption for parcels under $800 (USD), requiring formal customs clearance, duties, taxes, and fees on all shipments, regardless of value or purpose (e.g., gifts).
2. How this affects your shipments and how Packlink supports you:
- What stays intact: Unlike other providers that paused or restricted U.S. shipments, Packlink maintains services to the U.S., ready to support export continuity only via the services available on the Packlink platform.
- Shipping complexities have increased: You now need full customs documentation and perfect accuracy for each shipment, not just high-value shipments.
3. Critical compliance Checklist: What must be done
To ensure smooth processing, avoid delays, and prevent surprises, please ensure every shipment includes:
- Complete tax IDs for both sender and recipient (NIF / CIF, EORI or Italian Codice Fiscale). These are no longer optional.
- When the declared value of the goods is equal to or greater than 2,500$ (USD), it is mandatory to provide the recipient’s Tax Identification Number (EIN/EEI) or Social Security Number (SSN).
- True item value matching real commercial worth, even for gifts, which are no longer tax‑exempt.
- HS Code, at least 6 digits; 10 digits recommended for precision. Be sure to consult Customs Tariff Number to provide precise information.
- Thorough item descriptions. Avoid vague terms like “Samples” or “Gifts”, select “Others” in the UI of the customs declaration and provide a detailed description of the item. Description must be strictly in English.
- Importer’s full contact details (email and phone). U.S. Customs may require direct contact with the recipient.
- Recipient notification. Senders are advised to inform recipients that duties apply, since carriers may not notify them in advance.
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Always complete Customs information digitally in Packlink. When booking a shipment in Packlink, you may notice the option to skip the digital customs declaration and instead provide your own paper documents. We strongly advise against using this option. Always complete all customs fields digitally when booking shipments in Packlink. This minimizes risks, speeds up clearance, and avoids unnecessary costs for both you and your customers. A PDF copy will be provided to you at the end of the booking process.
In our Help Center we explain how to complete a customs invoice. - For Peace of mind print 3 copies of the customs invoice, always attach them in a transparent envelope on the outside of the package. Packlink automatically provides a printable PDF customs invoice at the end of the booking process.
4. Why this matters for your business
- Improved compliance = fewer disruptions: accurate documentation significantly reduces the risk of customs holds, returns, or refund issues.
- Transparent cost structure: proper handling minimizes unexpected charges.
- Competitive edge: while others may withdraw or limit services, Packlink remains your reliable logistics partner for the U.S. market.
5. Summary: before vs. now
| Feature |
Before (De minimis) |
Now (after August 29, 2025) |
| Customs Clearance | Often exempt for parcels below 800$ (USD) | Required for all shipments, regardless of value |
| Duties & Taxes | Many low-value items went duty-free | Applicable on all: ad-valorem |
| Documentation | Minimal | Full documentation required—HS code, value, IDs, contact |
| Risk of Delay/Return | Low (if conforming) | High if documentation is incomplete or inaccurate |
| Mail Service Response | Routine | Many paused; Packlink continues with only available service displayed in the service page |
6. Review and adapt your shipping workflows:
- Ensure value accuracy, EORI/Codice Fiscale, detailed descriptions, HS codes, and importer data.
- Clearly inform recipients about duties.
- Visit our Help Center article for examples, screenshots, and step-by-step guidance.
- Stay in contact with Packlink: We’re fully operational for U.S. exports with our selected carriers, ensuring a seamless, compliant shipping experience.
7. What happens if duties are not paid?
If customs declarations are not correctly redacted and duties not paid by the recipient:
- Shipments may be delayed in U.S. Customs.
- Parcels can be returned to the sender at the sender’s cost.
- Additional storage and handling fees may be applied by carriers at the sender’s cost.
- Recipients may refuse delivery if they are unexpectedly charged, resulting in lost sales and reputational damage at the sender’s cost.
- In certain cases, parcels may be disposed of by U.S. Customs, and the related costs or losses will be imputable to the sender and related compensation claims will be denied.
To avoid these risks, ensure all customs data is accurate and recipients are informed in advance.