ports

EU De Minimis Overhaul to Reshape Cross-Border Ecommerce, Not Kill It

European forwarders are bracing for a fundamental shift in the logistics landscape. Starting July 1, the EU eliminates its de minimis exemption for low-value imports. Parcels under €150 will face a flat €3 customs duty plus a €2 handling fee beginning in September. DHL Express Europe's chief executive said the changes will alter B2C commerce but warned against expecting immediate disruption. "We do not believe its impact will be immediately felt in July," he stated, predicting September volatility as businesses adapt to new requirements. The temporary fee structure remains in place for at least two years as regulators develop a unified customs framework. The move mirrors the US elimination of its $800 exemption last year, which already forced forwarders to adopt customs classification and warehouse consolidation as core competitive services rather than back-office functions.