The European Union will introduce major customs changes for all UK-to-EU shipments from 1 July 2026.

Key changes include:
• Removal of the €150 customs duty exemption
• Import duties applying from €0 value shipments
• Mandatory formal customs declarations for all B2B shipments
• Additional requirements for B2C shipments, including IOSS-related changes

Further mandatory product data requirements for B2C imports will also come into effect from 1 November 2026.

Customers shipping to the EU should ensure commodity codes, shipment values, and customs documentation are accurate to help avoid delays and clearance issues.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact transport networks across the region, with delays, rerouting, and service interruptions affecting shipments to and from the area.
We have closely monitored the situation in recent weeks in anticipation of improvement; however, disruption remains ongoing and shows no clear signs of stabilising.
Customers should expect continued disruption, including carriers interrupting or suspending operations at short notice, as well as last-minute price increases driven by rapidly changing operational conditions.
We strongly recommend allowing additional transit time for any shipments involving the region and planning accordingly.
If you have a shipment booked or planned to or through the region, please contact us so we can advise on the best available options.

From 1 January 2026, new EU regulations will change how UK exporters can use Customs Procedure 42 (Regime 42) for imports into the EU via France.

Currently, freight forwarders can act as fiscal representatives and use their own French VAT numbers for declarations. This will no longer be allowed.

Under the new rules, the EU buyer must act as the Importer of Record, with duties and taxes billed back to the UK exporter. A new Power of Attorney will be required, and delivery terms should be DAP.

As an alternative, UK exporters may use Regime 40, which requires a French VAT and EU EORI number, allowing goods to move freely across the EU once cleared in France.

Exporters are advised to review their procedures now to ensure compliance before the new rules take effect.

From 29 August 2025, the U.S. will remove the $800 de minimis exemption. This means all shipments of goods, regardless of value or origin, will be subject to duties, taxes, and formal Customs clearance.

Impact on Your Shipments

• From 29 August 2025, all shipments of goods to the U.S.—regardless of value or origin—will be subject to duties, taxes, and Customs clearance.

• Import costs may increase, depending on product type, commodity tariffs (e.g., steel, aluminium, copper), or country-specific duties under IEEPA. UK businesses can find more details at Business.gov.uk.

• This applies globally, across all shipping methods, including express and postal services.

We’re pleased to announce that all DHL Express services to and from Canada have been fully restored, effective immediately.

Operations were temporarily suspended on 20 June 2025 due to labor actions and legislative changes. Following successful negotiations with Unifor’s bargaining committee, a new 4-year agreement has been reached, allowing us to resume full operations as of today, 30 June 2025.

We appreciate your patience and continued trust. DHL Express remains committed to supporting your business with reliable and timely international shipping.