From Friday 29 August, new US import laws remove the de minimis threshold. This means all goods shipped to the United States will now require duty payments for clearance.
- Understand the New US Import Law Change
From Friday 29 August, new US import laws remove the de minimis threshold. This means all goods shipped to the United States will now require duty payments for customs clearance, regardless of their value. This affects all UK sellers shipping parcels to US customers.
- Choose a DPD US-Compliant Service
DPD and Zenstores offer a range of fully compliant delivery options for shipping to the USA: • DPD Air Express – Fast delivery in 2–4 working days for urgent shipments • DPD Air Classic – Reliable and cost-effective, delivered in 3–6 working days • DPD Direct – Perfect for parcels up to 5kg, delivered in 4–7 working days • DPD Direct Lite – The most affordable option for low-value parcels up to 2kg, delivered in 4–7 working days Note: A DDP admin fee applies and varies by service.
- Let Zenstores Handle Your Customs Data
If you're already shipping to the US with DPD from Zenstores, you don't need to do anything. Zenstores will automatically forward the required customs data to DPD, who will process it on their end. For new shippers, Zenstores and DPD are ready to get you set up and ensure your parcels clear customs smoothly.
- Set Up Automated Shipping Rules in Zenstores
As an approved DPD partner, Zenstores is perfectly positioned to help UK ecommerce businesses manage these US shipping changes with ease. You can automate customs data submission and set up shipping rules that automatically select the right DPD service for each order, saving time and reducing manual errors.
- Get Started with Zenstores
Zenstores helps thousands of businesses ship efficiently across the UK and worldwide. If you're not yet using Zenstores, you can book a demo or start a free trial to see how it can simplify your US shipping under the new import rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the de minimis threshold change and how does it affect me?
The de minimis threshold previously allowed low-value goods to enter the US without duty payments. From 29 August, this threshold has been removed, meaning all goods shipped to the United States now require duty payments for customs clearance. This affects all UK sellers shipping to US customers, regardless of parcel value.
Do I need to change anything in Zenstores to comply with the new US import rules?
If you're already shipping to the US with DPD via Zenstores, no action is required on your part. Zenstores automatically forwards the required customs data to DPD, who handles the clearance process. New shippers will be guided through the setup to ensure compliance from the start.
Which DPD service should I use for shipping to the USA?
The right service depends on your delivery speed requirements and parcel weight. DPD Air Express is best for urgent shipments (2–4 working days), DPD Air Classic offers a cost-effective balance (3–6 working days), DPD Direct suits parcels up to 5kg (4–7 working days), and DPD Direct Lite is the most affordable option for low-value parcels up to 2kg (4–7 working days).
What is a DDP admin fee and will it apply to my shipments?
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the sender covers the cost of duties and taxes so the recipient doesn't face unexpected charges on delivery. A DDP admin fee applies to DPD's US-compliant services and varies depending on which service you choose. Check with DPD or Zenstores for the specific fee applicable to your chosen service.
Can I still ship low-value parcels to the USA cost-effectively?
Yes. DPD Direct Lite is designed specifically for low-value parcels up to 2kg and is the most affordable DPD option for US shipments. While duty payments are now required for all US-bound goods, Zenstores and DPD handle the customs process automatically, keeping the experience as smooth as possible.
