From 29 August 2025, new regulations for shipping into the United States have taken effect. These changes impact how all retailers ship orders to US customers, with stricter compliance requirements and new rules around duties and taxes.
This guide pulls together the key information you need to know and will be updated as carriers release further details.
What you need to know
- The de minimis exemption (previously allowing shipments under $US800 to enter the US duty-free) has been removed. This change went into effect 29 August 2025.
- All duties will now need to be paid by the international mail carrier, or another approved company acting on their behalf, to U.S. Customs. Note that CBP (Customs and Border Protection) has a certified list of companies allowed to handle this process.
- All US shipments now require accurate compliance information and may attract tariffs or fees, regardless of value.
- Mandatory details for every shipment:
- Country of Origin (COO) – where the product was manufactured.
- Accurate Value of Goods – must be above $1.00.
- HS Tariff Code – required for each item.
- Missing any of these details may result in your shipment being returned to the sender.
What you should do next
- Switch to an express alternate service (such as DHL Express, FedEx, UPS, SEKO, which will clear customs) if you currently rely on disrupted services for US-bound shipping. Check our carrier updates section below for specific advice as it relates to your carrier.
- Ensure all shipments include COO, accurate values, and HS Tariff Codes.
- Learn more about shipping to the US, including tariffs, the removal of de minimis and long-term strategies, in our blog.
- Subscribe to carrier updates for the latest announcements.
DDP vs DDU
One of the most critical decisions for retailers has always been how duties and taxes are handled:
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
You, the retailer, pre-pay duties and taxes. This gives customers a smoother delivery experience, avoiding surprise costs on arrival. - Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU/DAP)
Your customers pay duties and taxes when the parcel enters the US. While this may reduce your upfront costs, it can result in delivery delays or a poor customer experience.
Our guide covers how to configure your Starshipit account correctly.
Upfront duties and taxes at checkout
Starshipit’s Landed Costs solution lets you display accurate duties and taxes at checkout, collect payment before shipping, and avoid surprise charges at delivery. We handle customs for you – and if duties or taxes come in higher than expected, we’ll cover the difference.
You can learn more about landed costs here.
Carrier updates
Here’s the current status for major carriers shipping into the US.
Tip:We recommend subscribing to updates from your carriers directly to get the latest information. We've added links beneath each carrier section below.
Australia Post
🛠️Status : US-bound shipments paused from 26 August 2025.
🗒️Notes : Items lodged after this date will be returned to sender. Once resumed, shipments must include COO, Value of Goods, and HS Tariff Codes. Partnering with Zonos on a compliance solution. Expected launch: September 2025. We've put together a guide for how to use this service when it goes live.
Latest updates : 🔗Australia Post Service Updates
New Zealand Post
🛠️Status : Some services have reopened.
🗒️Notes : Economy, Economy Tracked Economy Plus, and Courier services have reopened. These now send as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), with duties and taxes charged to your account. $5 admin fee and a 5% disbursement fee per consignment.
Latest updates : 🔗NZ Post Service Updates
DHL Group
🛠️Status : Deutsche Post have paused from 22 August 2025 for US-bound postal shipments. DHL Express and DHL eCommerce operating as normal. For DHL Express and DHL eCommerce, ensure you've set up DDP.
🗒️Notes : US shipments only possible via DHL Express and DHL eCommerce.
Latest updates : 🔗DHL Express Service Updates
FedEx
🛠️Status : Operating as normal. Ensure you've set up DDP.
🗒️Notes : No known disruptions.
Latest updates : 🔗FedEx Updates
UPS
🛠️Status : Operating as normal. Ensure you've set up DDP.
🗒️Notes : New machine learning model for freight quote accuracy. UPS will cover any cost discrepancies.
SEKO
🛠️Status : Operating as normal. Ensure you've set up DDP.