FedEx launches digital tools to help shippers manage tariffs and customs
FedEx is launching a new Global Trade Navigator suite to help shippers manage tariffs and customs, noting the EU removed its de minimis exemption on July 1 and the U.S. lifted the $800 duty‑free threshold. FedEx said its 2026 Small Business Trade Index found that 68 percent of small and mid‑size businesses report customers regularly encounter unexpected duties at delivery. The EU change adds a three‑euro duty to qualifying items valued at 150 euros or less.
The Global Trade Navigator includes a trade planner that lets users look up HS codes, estimate duties, taxes and fees, and see required documentation before creating a shipping label. FedEx is adding HS classification, customs value and country‑of‑origin review tools to its cloud‑based Ship Manager, and enhancing its import tool and reporting for clearer clearance activity. For Shopify merchants, a new duty and tax app can display a guaranteed duty and tax amount at checkout, showing the total cost before the order is completed. FedEx says the Global Trade Navigator works for businesses of any size, though it may help small and mid‑size firms most affected by changing trade rules.
“International shipping requires businesses to make complex decisions long before a package begins its journey,” Jason Brenner, senior vice president, digital portfolio, FedEx said.
The United States removed the de minimis exemption for low‑value shipments, ending duty‑free treatment for imports under $800. The European Union eliminated its de minimis exemption on July 1, adding a three‑euro duty to items worth 150 euros or less. After a Supreme Court ruling invalidated tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trump administration imposed new levies under Section 122 and Section 301.
What we know
The U.S. removed duty‑free treatment for imports valued at $800 or less.
68 percent of small and mid‑size businesses report customers regularly encounter unexpected duties at delivery.
The European Union eliminated its de minimis exemption on July 1.
The EU added a three‑euro duty to qualifying items valued at 150 euros or less.
60 percent of small and mid‑size businesses said they lost revenue through refunds or abandoned purchases.