Logistics
Fast, flexible, customer-centric: Swiss Post ensures shipping to the USA
When framework conditions change abruptly, it becomes clear how customer-centric and flexible a company really is. Swiss Post responds quickly, communicates transparently and develops pragmatic solutions. This is exemplified by the way in which stricter US customs regulations are handled.
The sudden tightening of US customs regulations at the end of August 2025 fundamentally changed the regulatory framework for international shipping to the USA. Due to the abolition of the 800 dollars de minimis threshold and the introduction of a requirement to pre-clear each individual goods consignment, Swiss Post had to temporarily suspend goods consignment shipping via the international postal channel.
Swiss Post demonstrated its role as a reliable logistics partner for the Swiss economy with a quick and innovative measure. It played an important role in maintaining international goods flows and was one of the first postal organizations in the world to restore the universal service for business customers following the introduction of the new US customs regulations.
The solution in detail
Customers wanted clarity and reliable alternatives as quickly as possible. Swiss Post immediately reviewed which types of shipment could still be sent. Document consignments, such as official letters and certificates, and express consignments via URGENT Express International (in cooperation with FedEx Express Swiss Post GmbH) continued to be sent to the USA without interruption. Gift consignments worth up to 100 dollars sent between private individuals were only affected by the suspension for a few days. Thanks to rapidly implemented technical and operational measures, Swiss Post managed to resume this shipping option quickly. It also kept its customers updated about available options.
We responded quickly and provided reliable international solutions for Swiss business.
Close dialogue with international partners
Swiss Post worked to find a permanent solution for the traditional postal channel as quickly as possible. In close cooperation with national authorities such as the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) and the Federal Postal Services Commission (PostCom), as well as international industry associations and European postal organizations, Swiss Post developed a customs clearance solution that was both legally compliant and practicable. Swiss Post’s international network and the agile approach of its international logistics team were crucial in implementing solutions efficiently to meet the new requirements.
Innovative shipping solution for business customers
After just four weeks, the “Postal Delivered Duty Paid” (PDDP) solution enabled business customers to send goods consignments again. Under the PDDP procedure, all goods up to a value of 800 dollars are cleared through customs in advance and all import duties are paid by the sender. Whereas recipients previously had to pay these fees upon delivery, Swiss Post now handles the entire customs clearance process on behalf of its business customers. Customers can prepare and drop off their consignments as usual using Swiss Post’s online service; customs duties and clearance fees are then charged to them via their monthly invoice.
This solution has been available for “PostPac International” and “International small goods” since 22 September 2025 and is aimed in particular at online retailers who want to offer their customers transparent delivery without additional costs.
Facts about the suspension of shipments to the USA
- 26 August 2025: New US customs regulations lead to a suspension of goods consignments to the USA via the postal channel. This does not apply to document and express items, or to gift consignments worth up to 100 dollars.
- 22 September 2025: Business customers with a billing relationship can use the “Postal Delivered Duty Paid” (PDDP) postal channel to send goods to the USA again. The advantage of this solution is that Swiss Post handles customs clearance and duties. Billing is via monthly invoice.
- Swiss Post is still working on a solution for private customers.