As parcel carriers assist shippers in adapting to new U.S. import rules, experts highlight ways to minimize customs complications such as shipment disposals.

Many U.S.-bound parcels are being held by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for extended periods — and in some cases, disposed of — as shippers struggle to adjust after the Trump administration ended the de minimis exemption on August 29. Previously, the de minimis rule allowed imports valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty- and tax-free. With the exemption removed, low-value parcels are now subject to tariffs and stricter entry documentation before entering domestic delivery networks.

According to UPS, this regulatory shift has resulted in instances where shipments fail to clear customs due to missing or inaccurate information. While the carrier did not specify the number of affected packages, it said its brokerage team successfully clears over 90% of packages on the first day of entry. FedEx and DHL Express also cited recent trade regulation changes as challenges for cross-border shippers.

“All of this is an implication of the abrupt changes to de minimis,” said Rathna Sharad, CEO and founder of FlavorCloud, a cross-border shipping platform.

Post-de minimis customs complications have led to unexpected fees and instances of package disposal, creating pressure for importers as the holiday peak shipping season approaches.

How Major Carriers Handle Customs Clearance Issues

Although policies vary, UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express all emphasize ensuring smooth and compliant customs clearance. According to Thomas Taggart, VP of Global Trade at Passport, standard freight shipments generally have 15 days to clear customs before disposal becomes an option under CBP compliance requirements.

UPS stated that, in the event of customs delays, the company makes multiple attempts to contact shippers to obtain the required information. If clearance cannot be completed, two options are available:

“First, the package may be returned to the sender at their expense,” UPS explained. “Second, if the shipper does not respond and the package cannot be cleared, it is considered abandoned and disposed of in compliance with U.S. Customs regulations.”

FedEx said it works with shippers to update customs documentation when information is incomplete or rejected by CBP. If clearance remains unresolved, the shipper may choose to return or dispose of the package.

“In those rare cases, recipients are notified at the direction of the shipper,” FedEx noted. “This is not a common practice.”

DHL Express, in contrast, said it does not dispose of packages that fail to clear customs. Instead, it makes efforts to gather missing information within 10 days. If unsuccessful, DHL returns the shipment to its origin.

“This timeframe allows DHL Express to process the export prior to day 15 to ensure compliance with customs regulations,” the company said.

How Shippers Can Avoid Customs Hangups

Experts recommend that shippers work closely with their broker and carrier to ensure all import documentation is properly completed — a challenge for many who relied on the de minimis rule. Key information required by CBP includes the 10-digit Harmonized System (HS) code and the country of origin, according to Sharad of FlavorCloud.

Another issue following the de minimis repeal is that U.S. buyers are now often designated as the importer of record, meaning they must handle customs clearance and pay duties. This can lead to buyers abandoning purchases or requesting refunds.

“Shippers are usually only involved at the front end to provide the buyer’s contact information. Once the package is in the U.S. pending customs clearance, it’s really the buyer’s responsibility to work with the carrier and pay any duties owed,” explained Nick Baker, co-lead of Kroll’s Trade and Customs Practice.

To avoid these scenarios, foreign merchants are advised to hire a third-party customs broker to manage clearance on behalf of customers, particularly when using express carriers, Baker said. Non-U.S. shippers can also register as a non-resident importer to prevent end customers from being listed as the importer of record.

“If you are a legitimate shipper and want to streamline the process, get set up as a non-resident importer — that way you can simplify and control the clearance process,” said Passport’s Taggart.

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Edited by: Cofast News Editorial Team (according to Supply Chain Dive)

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