New customs duties don’t have to derail your US growth plans
International retailers shipping to the United States now face a significantly more complex operating environment than they used to. The new tariffs, import regulations and general unpredictability introduced in 2025 have transformed cross-border trade to the US into a process that requires enhanced compliance, detailed documentation and careful duty management.
However, for those seeking growth in North America, there is cause for optimism. Asendia’s range of e-PAQ Customs Prepaid shipping options keep US growth opportunities within reach for retailers.
US tariffs: A new reality for e-tailers
In August 2025, the US eliminated the $800 de minimis exemption, meaning all shipments, regardless of value, are now subject to import duties and customs clearance.
The implications of this radical change aren’t simply administrative. Potential delivery failures, unexpected costs that damage customer relationships and compliance requirements that strain internal resources are now daily realities for retailers pursuing US market growth.
Recent research conducted by Asendia demonstrates the scale of this challenge. Our Beyond Borders survey of 1,000 retailers reveals that 40% identify customs and tariffs as a primary obstacle to cross-border growth, whilst four in ten report having already experienced negative impacts from tariff changes.
Yet despite these headwinds, 72% of retailers remain confident about growing their international sales. North America continues to represent the second-largest priority region for e-commerce expansion, accounting for 28% of retailers' growth plans.
The opportunity remains compelling – but success now requires logistics solutions that can guarantee compliance whilst delivering seamless customer experiences.
Your solution for seamless US delivery
Asendia's e-PAQ solutions Customs Prepaid, including e-PAQ Select and e-PAQ Plus PDDP (Postal Delivery Duty Paid) have been developed specifically to address these challenges. Our solutions ensure full compliance with US import regulations whilst eliminating the uncertainty that could prevent retailers from confidently pursuing American market opportunities.
With Customs Prepaid, your customers receive their parcels without unexpected fees or customs delays. You benefit from complete regulatory compliance without the operational burden of managing it independently.
How you benefit from e-PAQ Plus:
Duties prepaid: Asendia calculates and pays in advance of delivery, ensuring customers never encounter unexpected charges. This advance payment model is critical for maintaining customer trust and reducing failed deliveries.
Complete customs management: We handle all customs formalities on your behalf, so you don't need to register with US authorities or navigate import procedures independently. Through our partnership with Zonos, we communicate directly with US Customs, managing the entire clearance process.
Simplified compliance: Whilst US regulations now require enhanced data including HS codes, USD values, and country of origin, our regional shipping tools have been updated to make compliance straightforward. The technical complexity is managed within our systems.
Reliable delivery timelines: Delivery aims of 6-12 business days from our French gateway and 7-13 days from our European and APAC hubs enable you to set accurate customer expectations. Comprehensive tracking from drop-off through to final-mile delivery provides visibility throughout the shipping journey.
E-commerce optimised: The service is designed for parcels up to 2kg and values up to $800, covering the majority of cross-border e-commerce shipments. It combines postal-channel cost-efficiency with commercial-grade compliance.
Focus on growth, not tariffs
In an environment where many retailers struggle with customs delays and surprise delivery charges, e-PAQ enables you to deliver the seamless experience that builds customer trust and drives repeat purchases.
It offers unhindered access to the still substantial US market opportunities, without the operational burden that currently face retailers managing compliance independently.
For businesses serious about US market expansion, our Customs Prepaid option and PDDP transform regulatory complexity from a barrier into a manageable operational process, allowing you to focus on growth rather than compliance administration.
Get started
Asendia's expertise in cross-border logistics spans more than 200 destinations. Our team understands the specific challenges facing international retailers in the current US regulatory environment.
Contact the Asendia team to learn more about how e-PAQ can support your US market growth strategy.
