Small Parcel Imports

Small parcel imports are the low-value packages that cross borders every day, mostly from online purchases shipped directly to consumers. For years, many countries let these shipments enter with little or no duty and simplified customs processing, under what are often called de minimis thresholds. That approach helped fuel the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce, as marketplaces and direct-to-consumer sellers shipped huge volumes of inexpensive goods straight to buyers' doors.

Why it matters now

The rules governing these shipments are being rewritten. In the United States, de minimis treatment has been suspended, and customs authorities are phasing in new entry requirements, including for parcels sent through postal networks. In the European Union, a broader customs reform is introducing a flat duty on low-value parcels alongside a separate handling fee. These changes affect online shoppers, retailers, logistics providers, postal operators, and the large marketplaces that dominate cross-border sales. They also raise practical questions about cost, compliance, data requirements, delivery times, and how postal services can adapt.

What you'll find here

This hub tracks developments across the small parcel landscape, including:

• Regulatory changes to de minimis rules, duties, and fees in the US, EU, and elsewhere
• Implementation timelines and compliance deadlines set by customs agencies
• Industry reactions from postal bodies, carriers, and trade groups
• Marketplace dynamics, including how major e-commerce platforms are positioned and how they respond
• Analysis of the effects on prices, supply chains, and consumer behavior

Check back for ongoing coverage as policies take effect and the cross-border e-commerce market adjusts.