US trade policy reached a new dimension in summer 2025: as of 29 August, the previous de minimis exemption of USD 800 is no longer applicable, meaning that even the smallest consignments of goods are now subject to customs duties. This immediately results in significant logistical disruptions – for example, DHL announced that, from 22 August, it would temporarily suspend the shipment of commercial consignments to the USA via Deutsche Post or DHL Paket, as the new customs procedures by the US authorities are unfavourably structured, particularly with regard to the collection of duties, transmission of data and responsibilities in customs clearance. Private individuals can continue to send gifts (up to USD 100, correctly declared as “gift”) or documents, albeit subject to significantly stricter controls.
The EU-US agreement of 27 July 2025 (Joint Statement of 21 August 2025) provides for a uniform tariff of up to 15% on EU goods in the future. Excluded from this are iron, steel and aluminium products, which will continue to be subject to a 50% tariff. The 15% tariff constitutes a maximum ceiling, unless the MFN tariff is higher than 15%, in which case the MFN tariff applies. These tariffs are generally cumulative (“stacking”). However, certain goods are exempt from double tariff exposure – for example, passenger cars, which are not additionally subject to copper, steel or aluminium tariffs (CBP Fact Sheet of 20 August 2025).
Recommendation: Companies should realign their shipping processes, Incoterms, contractual models and risks. Shipping via postal channels is risky – reliable and regulated express or freight routes are preferable. In addition, supply chains should be diversified, potential customs strategies (e.g. customs warehousing, First-Sale-for-Export) should be examined, and companies should actively engage in industry associations at EU level in order to influence exemptions or targeted transitional arrangements.
Further information on this topic will be available on 26 August 2025 in our Schlagbaum Summer Special “Customs”.
By Sara Franke
