The background to the decision is the United States' changed customs regulations. Previously, goods to a value of less than $800 (approximately 7,500 kronor) could be sent into the country without customs or tax surcharges. But since this summer, the exception for smaller shipments has ended. However, how the packages will be customs cleared, and how much, is still unclear.
This is worldwide and affects all countries. For Postnord, a smaller part of our volumes is affected, but it is important for the customers who have sent goods duty-free before, says Björn Bergman, communications manager at the Postnord Group.
The packages will not be piled up at Postnord, but will be returned to the sender.
Small e-commerce companies
Those who are mainly affected are small and medium-sized e-commerce companies, he continues. Private individuals are also affected, but an exception has been made for them so that they can send gifts up to a value of $100 duty-free.
Postnord does not release information on how many shipments are delayed.
But each shipment is important for customers and consumers, of course, says Björn Bergman.
The reason Postnord is pausing shipments is simply so that airlines do not have to transport the deliveries back across the Atlantic again.
Lack of information
How long the pause can continue is unknown.
We are working very closely with all postal operators in Europe to get all the information from the US authorities on how we should clear customs. It is information that we have requested since June 30, but we have not yet received the complete picture, says Björn Bergman.
Ordinary letters without goods are not affected by the decision. Nor are shipments sent from the USA.
