PostNL to stop accepting U.S.-bound parcels over new import rules

PostNL will stop accepting parcels bound for the United States on Saturday, August 23. This comes as a result of the White House's announcement in July that the exemption allowing goods worth up to 800 U.S. dollars (683 euros) to enter the U.S. duty-free will end on August 29.

PostNL said it cannot continue parcel service because U.S. Customs has not explained how packages should be cleared once the change begins. “As a result, it will no longer be possible to send parcels and packages to the U.S. starting August 23,” the company stated.

The halt applies to private mailings as well as commercial shipments from Dutch businesses. Parcels already in transit before August 23 are expected to arrive under the old rules. After that, only letters and documents will continue to be accepted for delivery to the U.S.

PostNL said it is working to find a solution. “We are investigating different options for sending parcels and packages to the United States,” the company said

The disruption is not limited to the Netherlands. Postal companies in Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, and Scandinavian countries are also pausing deliveries, citing the same lack of guidance from American authorities.