Thailand Post suspends parcel service to US under duty-free de minimis treatment

Thailand Post Company has announced the suspension, as of August 22nd, of the parcel delivery service to the United States under duty-free de minimis entry (the waiving of duties on parcels containing items under a specified value), after the US administration has suspend the protocol.

The company said, though, that it still accepts parcels to be sent to the US through Courier Post, Courier One Price and Amazon FBA.

According to Thailand Post Company’s Facebook page, many people have complained about the suspension of the duty-free de minimis entry system.

The Department of International Trade Promotion said that the suspension applies to all countries, including Thailand and is expected to earn an additional US$100 billion in revenue for the US administration annually.

Duty-free de minimis entry refers to a provision allowing low-value shipments, historically valued at or under US$800, to enter the US without duties and with minimal customs processing.

This expedited process was designed to benefit small businesses and consumers, but has become a bone of contention due to concerns over undercutting domestic manufacturers’ prices, job losses and the illicit smuggling of contraband.