International postal operators are preparing for major changes in how they ship goods to the United States. A long-standing exemption that allowed packages valued at $800 or less to enter the country duty-free is being phased out. Starting Friday, shipments under this “de minimis” threshold will now face tariffs, reshaping cross-border e-commerce.

The exemption had fueled a surge in global online shopping. Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection processed more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments, averaging over 4 million packages daily. With new duties applied, the flow of small, low-cost parcels will likely slow, especially for sellers relying on affordable international shipping.

Postal services across Europe and Asia have begun pausing shipments to the United States while awaiting clarity on customs procedures. Major carriers, including DHL and Austria Post, have announced cut-off dates in late August. Britain’s Royal Mail plans a short suspension to prepare its systems, while Singapore Post and India’s Department of Posts are also halting certain shipments.

For businesses, the change brings new considerations. Duties, ranging from $80 to $200 per item depending on tariff classifications, may encourage sellers to refine pricing strategies and streamline operations. Retailers from the United Kingdom to South Korea are adjusting their approaches, with some temporarily pausing orders while they adapt. Online platforms such as Etsy are helping sellers by providing tools to incorporate duties directly into checkout costs, creating greater transparency for customers. For many smaller firms, this transition presents an opportunity to reassess their U.S. market strategies and explore innovative ways to maintain demand.

The policy shift highlights how international trade rules play a direct role in shaping everyday shopping. Both businesses and consumers are entering a period of adjustment, with new costs and procedures that encourage greater transparency and adaptation in global online commerce.