If you concerned over what you're going to do about shipping to the US after the de minimis ends, here at SAMOS we have your back.
Our US parcel delivery service features the following:
- No $80 minimum US duty
- No volumetric charges
- Fixed, low rates with no surcharges, see here.
- 3 - 4 day delivery with photo POD
- Multiple shop platform, WMS & API integrations, see here.
- Get set up and shipping in under a minute, see here.
#Why are some US parcel delivery services being suspended?
There has been lots recent news about postal services around the world suspending parcel services into the USA. The reason for this is because there are two types of clearance, postal and commercial.
#What's is the difference between postal and commercial clearance?
Postal – This has been around for hundreds of years and is centred around the UPU (Universal Postal Union) – an agreement that each national postal authority delivers each other's mail and parcels. The issue with postal clearance is that the systems are not ready to apply duty and tariff as percentages of the parcel value. As a result, U.S. customs can't work out the accurate duty and tariff and will therefore apply minimum flat duty of $80.
Commercial – This is what we use, along with other courier companies. These systems are more modern and have the ability to work out duty and tariff as a percentage of the parcel value. Therefore duty and tariff are accurately calculated, and the minimum $80 duty is not necessary.
In short: If you are delivering your goods to the U.S. via a postal service, you will need to pay a minimum flat duty rate of $80 regardless of the size or value of your delivery. This is why it is being seen as unmanagable and being suspended.
#How does the SAMOS US delivery service work?
We export e-commerce parcels via commercial clearance daily into the US and inject into six US gateway points, which means it's closer to the end customer and a faster time in transit. Our integrated system produces labels and tracking numbers valid through to delivery.
Are there any other hidden costs involved?
Nope. With SAMOS, our service to the U.S. is all DDP – Delivery Duty Paid. This means that your customers in the U.S. will not be charged anything before delivery. Our shipping rates are fixed, with no surcharges - not even a DDP surcharge.
My head is swimming with all these changes! Where can I get a simple overview?
We have done a short 10-minute video here which explains everything you need to know about the U.S. de minimis change, including examples of calculating duty and tariff, and where to find all the information you need. One thing you'll realise, is it's actually a lot easier than you may think.
Also, if you haven’t done so already, you may find reading our complete guide to the end of de minimis helpful. Click here to learn more.
Need more help?
We’re here to help e-commerce business stay up to date with the complexities of international shipping. If you have any questions about the changes or how to ensure smooth, compliant shipping to the U.S. after 29/08/25, get in touch — we’re always happy to offer direct help and advise.
If you ship higher volumes to the US and need a bespoke quote get in touch and let us know.
