With the U.S. set to end its long-standing “de minimis” tariff exemption this week, global e-commerce is entering a period of significant change.

Alison Layfield, Vice President of Product Development at ePost Global, spoke with Washington Post reporter Jaclyn Peiser about how shoppers, retailers, and carriers are preparing for the impact on international shipping and cross-border deliveries.

Layfield highlighted that many consumers are still unaware of the cost implications these changes bring and may face unexpected “sticker shock.” While some retailers will clearly communicate additional costs upfront, she cautioned that others may not:

“There will be merchants who are going to be very transparent” and “there’s going to be merchants that may not make it clear on their website in hopes that the consumer is still going to accept the package and pay the unexpected fee.”

Consumers should therefore stay informed by reviewing shipping policies at checkout, checking duty terms, and understanding potential customs charges before placing international orders.

As a leader in international shipping solutions, ePost Global helps businesses navigate evolving customs regulations and optimize cross-border delivery strategies during times of change.

Read the full Washington Post article to learn more about how these changes could affect international orders.