Why U.S. shipping is temporarily $100 – what changed, and how we’re handling it

The United States ended its long-standing de minimis (duty-free) rule for low-value imports on August 29, 2025. In response, Deutsche Post/DHL Parcel Germany paused acceptance/transport of business parcels to the U.S. via the postal network. Express services (like DHL Express) are still running – but they’re significantly more expensive. To keep serving our U.S. community reliably, we’ve temporarily set a flat U.S. shipping rate of $100 while the situation stabilizes.

What changed in the U.S. (and why it matters)

The U.S. government suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments from all countries, effective Aug 29, 2025. That means every inbound parcel now faces standard customs requirements and duties – no more automatic duty-free entry under $800. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun enforcing the change.

How carriers responded

Because the new rules require different data flows and collection processes for postal shipments, Deutsche Post/DHL Parcel Germany announced temporary restrictions: they stopped accepting business-customer parcels to the U.S. via the postal network as of late August. DHL Express (courier service with commercial clearance) continues to operate. 

Why not “gift” parcels?
DHL notes that only genuine private gifts up to $100 between individuals can move as normal via the postal network. As a company, we obviously cannot use the gift channel – so our only reliable route at the moment is Express.

What CockpitCrafters is doing (and why shipping is $100)

1. Switching to Express temporarily:
   Until postal-network parcel service resumes for businesses, we’ll ship U.S. orders via DHL Express. This ensures end-to-end tracking, proper customs processing, and predictable delivery. Express, however, costs far more than standard postal logistics—hence the temporary $100 flat rate. 

2. We’re not “profiting” on shipping:
   That $100 helps cover only a portion of Express charges plus export handling. We’ll keep monitoring rates and bring shipping back down as soon as a sustainable alternative returns.

3. Duties & taxes (important):
   With de minimis suspended, U.S. duties and taxes now apply to all imports. These are not included in our shipping fee. DHL (or customs) may collect them from you before delivery.

What this means for your order

• New U.S. orders: ship via DHL Express at $100 (temporary).

• Existing U.S. backorders: we’ll reach out case-by-case with options (ship Express now, or hold until postal routes reopen).

• When will this end? DHL has framed the restriction as temporary while processes are aligned. We’ll revert to our normal, lower rates once business postal parcels can move again. 

Official sources & further reading

• White House: Executive Order “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries” (July 30, 2025). The White House

• CBP: E-commerce & de minimis FAQs (implementation from Aug 29, 2025). U.S. Customs and Border Protection

• DHL Group: “New U.S. customs regulations: Temporary restrictions on postal goods shipping to the U.S.” (press release & PDF, Aug 22, 2025). DHL Group+1

• Reuters coverage: End of U.S. de minimis and global shipping impacts. Reuters

Thank you for your patience

We know shipping hikes are frustrating. Our goal is to stay transparent and keep your gear moving with the least disruption. If you have a pending order or special timing needs, just email us – we’ll find the best path for you and keep you updated as conditions evolve.