On July 30, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order eliminating the de minimis exemption for all countries, effective August 29, 2025. Originally planned for 2027, this fast-tracked change will significantly impact small businesses — including UK greeting card publishers exporting to the U.S.
But there’s good news: recent updates from Royal Mail offer a more manageable path forward.
Royal Mail’s Response: What Exporters Need to Know
In a recent video update, Andrea Collins from the Global Trade Department shared key developments following a meeting with Royal Mail’s senior team:
How DDP Works?
Deliver Duty Paid (DDP) is a shipping arrangement where the seller/exporter takes full responsibility for paying all duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees before the goods arrive in the destination country. This means the buyer receives the goods without having to deal with unexpected charges or customs delays.
Under Royal Mail’s DDP (also known as PDDP):
For Example: A Greeting Card
Product price: £5
Shipping: £2.50
Total declared value: £7.50
10% duty: 75p (prepaid by the seller)
Key Takeaways from the Global Trade Department;
Andrea emphasised: don’t panic or switch off U.S. sales prematurely. Royal Mail is actively preparing and supporting exporters and you can read their official response here
We are encouraging GCA members to watch Andrea’s Webinar and Royal Mail update video’s below;
Expert Insights: Royal Mail Webinar on U.S. Export Changes
To help small businesses navigate the recent changes in international shipping regulations, please watch the detailed webinar below, hosted by Andrea Collins, Global Trade Department with Martha Roberts, Head of Customer Success and Charlotte Prescott, Director of Customs and International Policy at Royal Mail.
The session focuses on the impact of the removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption and the introduction of new tariffs, particularly for UK exporters. It offers practical guidance on:
- Navigating customs, tariffs, and origin rules
- Using Royal Mail’s Postal Delivery Duties Paid (PDDP) services
- Understanding exemptions (e.g. for artworks and cultural items)
- Managing shipments via platforms like Etsy and eBay
- Ensuring accurate documentation to avoid delays or unexpected charges
The experts also address FAQs around packaging, returns, and account setup, and encourage businesses not to be discouraged by the changes — with ongoing support promised through tutorials and updates.
Prior to Royal Mail’s Latest Update: What Was Originally Proposed
Previously the de minimis exemption allowed shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without paying import duties or taxes. It’s been a lifeline for:
From August 29, every shipment will be subject to tariffs and customs clearance.
New Clearance Types : What’s Changing?
Shipments will now need to be cleared as either:
Tariffs may include:
Postal shipments will only incur the IEEPA tariff, but there was a concern about a blanket $80 duty being applied to avoid customs delays.
What Is the IEEPA Tariff?
The IEEPA tariff is a special kind of import tax created under a U.S. law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This law gives the U.S. President the power to take action — including imposing tariffs — in response to a national emergency involving foreign countries.
In simple terms:
However it was proposed postal shipments were going to be subject to an $80 duty fee until January, but now it looks like Royal Mail have a solution as detailed above.
Impact on UK Greeting Card Exporters
Many UK brands rely on small-value exports to the U.S., especially via platforms like Faire. These changes could:
Even with a favourable UK-U.S. trade relationship, lower-priced UK goods will likely become more expensive for American buyers.
Advice from The US GCA
The GCA spoke to our American counterparts and Andy Meehan the US GCA president offered some advice prior to the latest Royal Mail Update;
Courier vs Postal: What’s the Difference?
Postal (Royal Mail → USPS)
Courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.)
However please note that it now appears that Royal Mail have a solution to these issues as detailed in the text above.
Country of Origin Risks
Only cards truly made in the UK qualify for the 10% tariff. If materials (paper, envelopes, finishes) are sourced from China or India, U.S. Customs may apply transshipment tariffs up to 40%. Make sure to verify origin compliance with your printer or manufacturer.
The death of de minimis is a major shakeup for UK greeting card publishers selling into the U.S. For the first time, even a £2 card could face customs duties — or worse, an $80 flat charge — depending on how it’s shipped.
Andy Meehan US GCA President
And remember: it’s not about where the parcel is posted from, it’s about where the product is genuinely made. If your cards use paper, envelopes, or finishes sourced outside the UK — especially from China or India — you could be hit with a 40% trans-shipment tariff.
The takeaway? Know your supply chain, rethink your fulfilment workflow, and speak to your U.S. buyers before the 29 August.
Should You Rethink U.S. Fulfilment?
If U.S. sales are a meaningful part of your revenue, consider:
These options can reduce delays, simplify customs, and protect margins, however it now appears that Royal Mail have a solution as detailed in their official update so please speak with your Royal Mail Account Manager for further clarification.
Summary Checklist for GCA Members
While the removal of the de minimis exemption presents new challenges, Royal Mail’s updated DDP service offers a practical solution for UK greeting card exporters. The GCA will continue to monitor developments and provide guidance to help members navigate this transition.
