Canada Post has announced the suspension of services to select European Union nations due to new customs regulations concerning low-value shipments. The postal agency, through a recent notice on its website, revealed that it will not be receiving parcels intended for twelve countries until further notice. The affected countries include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain.
However, Canada Post will continue to accept shipments to other EU countries where the Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU) system is viable, such as Poland, Latvia, and Sweden. Efforts are underway to introduce compliant solutions in the impacted markets.
On Wednesday, the European Union implemented a three-euro customs duty on packages valued at 150 euros or less (approximately $240) imported from non-EU countries. Previously, these low-value packages were exempt from duties, but the EU stated that the old rule no longer aligns with the current online shopping landscape.
In 2025, the EU received 5.9 billion low-value packages, constituting 97% of all imports for the bloc. Many parcels are undervalued or inaccurately declared to evade customs fees, giving non-EU sellers an unfair advantage over local businesses. The EU contends that the new measure aims to level the playing field for EU enterprises, protect consumers, combat customs fraud, and address environmental concerns related to excessive shipping.
The EU clarified that the new duty is temporary, with plans to tax imports based on value, origin, and tariff classification starting July 1, 2028. Similarly, the United States eliminated its long-standing de minimis exemption last August, which allowed duty-free entry for packages under $800, citing concerns about illicit substances slipping into the country without proper scrutiny.
Canada also has its own exemption for low-value shipments from Mexico and the U.S., valued at $150 or less, regarding customs duties.
