Express clearance: The New Postal Option

Postal Imports and De Minimis Suspension

While suspension of the de minimis affects all imports, it's particularly aimed at international postal networks. Postal imports were frequently used to "fly under the radar" of customs. The regulatory oversight of commercial imports has always been much greater than for postal imports. Now, packages sent via international post will face significant duties – either a flat fee of $80 to $200 per item, or new Trump era duty charges which can be over 50%. But this new burden falls not yet on the post office but also commercial carriers and porters.

FedEx, UPS, and DHL's Existing Infrastructure for Formal Customs Clearance

In contrast to postal imports, commercial express carriers DHL, FedEx, and UPS have been importing individual parcel shipments for decades under express processes. These processes are regulated via 19 CFR part 128: Express consignment. While section 321 processes were exceedingly simple, these carriers also have the ability to consolidate and manage consolidated informal entries. Read More: De minimis duty free exemption suspended.

Postal Service Restriction to the USA  and QP Bonds (August 2025 update)

• Postal imports are assessed only the IEEPA reciprocal rate: No stacking of column 1 duty rates + other tariffs applicable for commercial imports (section 301, 201, 232)
• Postal shipments pay IEEPA reciprocal rate for the declared country of origin
• Bond requirementscan be met via a "Qualified Party" or QP

Most data for postal imports (via CN22) are not available electronically which presents a compliance issue.

Express consignment processes explained

For decades, express carriers- namely, Fedex, UPS and DHL - have been operating under express clearance processes. These processes are also available from independent facilities- namely, IBC, Micom and NYACC (JFK). Part of the responsibility of being an expressed consignment operator is to reimburse customs for the cost of express clearance. The fee is adjusted regularly and currently averages around $1.31 per consignment.

A element of expressed consignment is ensuring integrated control, having international carrier bonds, and regular audits from customs.

Why type 86 changed everything?

So while the express consignment worked really well with regard to compliance, funding, and security US Customs, for some reason, opened up the minimus processes to all mode of transport, all parts of entry entry, any customers broker, without a legitimate responsible party.

ECCF Capacity to Handle Complex Documentation and Duty Collection

These major carriers - as well as independent express facilities - have invested heavily in robust processes and advanced technological infrastructure, notably their direct interfaces with government systems. Via consolidated informal entries, they are equipped to provide the necessary data. The mega carriers also have the financial strength to manage pre-payment of millions of dollars of duty.

Read more: What is an ECCF?

Many e-commerce are suspending postal labeling options for postal shipments to the USA from Australia, Canada, UK, and others. Most are still accepting US-bound packages via couriers (with adjustments).

Build a postal clearance solution to the USA

A critical aspect of USPS's international inbound operations is its Global Direct Entry (GDE) program. This initiative allows selected U.S. and foreign consolidators to clear international inbound packages through commercial customs channels and then inject them into the USPS domestic delivery network.

How to ship online orders to the USA for low cost last mile delivery:

1. Necessary to have enough volume to build a consolidation
2. Ensure you have the  necessary data necessary for entry
3. Work with a local clearing agent and arrange for transmission of data and payment of anticipated duy
4. Ship goods via air freight with unique reference numbers for local labeling and identification

Contact our team.

Analysis of Why FedEx, UPS, and DHL Did Not Oppose the Executive Order

The conspicuous lack of opposition from major private express carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL regarding the Executive Order eliminating the de minimis rule can be attributed to several strategic alignments and competitive advantages.

• Firstly, these major carriers realized that their process processes provide a competitive edge. The de minimis loophole, while contributing to some shipping volume, simultaneously enabled importers to bypass the integrators. Many importers took advantage of the USPS Global Direct Entry program.
• Secondly, the operational models of FedEx, UPS, and DHL are inherently built around comprehensive customs clearance. Fortunately, importers can access these processes, independent express consignment facilities for efficient duty collection, and documentation.
• Thirdly, the new regulations create an immense opportunity for these carriers to capture significant market away from postal operators. Networks less integrated and locking the ability to meet the heightened compliance demands. These private carriers are uniquely positioned to absorb the millions of parcels that were previously shipped under the de minimis exemption, which now require an consolidated informal (type 11) or formal entry (type 01).
• Finally, as leading global logistics providers, FedEx, UPS, and DHL are often on the front lines of efforts to combat drug trafficking, counterfeiting, and other illicit activities. The U.S. government's stated aim to disrupt fentanyl supply chains directly aligns with the corporate responsibility, operational security interests, and public image of these major card

FedEx's public statement, "The latest U.S. tariffs and customs requirements are new, but changes in global trade aren't. FedEx has been helping customers keep shipments moving for 50+ years," is highly indicative of their stance. It signals their inherent confidence in their ability to adapt to and navigate these changes. 

Express processes For Managing De Minimis Entries

Interestingly, major private carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL have not pushed back against this change. Why? Because their business models are already built for this new reality. They possess sophisticated customs clearance infrastructure, advanced technology, and established processes for handling formal entries and collecting duties.

The elimination of de minimis effectively levels the playing field, but in a way that disproportionately benefits these giants. With postal services becoming less viable for low-value commercial shipments, businesses and consumers will increasingly turn to private carriers for their compliant, reliable, and integrated services.

Contact our team to build your own direct entry express processes.