Lead the next wave of global eCommerce growth, how mastering landed costs and delivering Duty Paid can transform your success
For years, the de minimis, or low-value, exemption has been the backbone of cross-border eCommerce, allowing millions of small parcels to enter the US and EU without incurring duties, taxes, or complex paperwork. Retailers structured their supply chains to take advantage of these thresholds. Now, regulatory tides have shifted dramatically:
- US de minimis withdrawal: As of 29 August 2025, the US ends the $800 de minimis exemption for all commercial shipments. Every import, regardless of value, now faces standard duty rates, potential additional tariffs, and administrative charges.
- EU customs reform: By 2028, the EU will eliminate its €150 duty exemption, bringing every import under customs scrutiny.
This means over 6 billion annual shipments, previously “duty-free”, now require complete customs entries and payment of duties, and will be subject to stricter compliance checks. Non-compliance or inaccuracy can result in penalties, shipment delays, and unhappy customers.
Why landed cost calculation is mission-critical, and the way to grow your business
With the disappearance of de minimis, every cross-border parcel must be declared, classified, and have duty and sales tax calculated at origin to ensure collection at the point of sale. Calculating landed cost is no longer optional, it is central to a seamless shopping experience:
- Control costs, avoid surprises: Accurately calculating the full cost of delivery, including duties, sales taxes, admin fees, and shipping, eliminates customer shock, reduces abandoned carts, and prevents costly returns.
- Maintain profit margins: Knowing your total delivered cost allows competitive pricing and stronger carrier negotiations for admin fees.
- Compliance and risk reduction: Proper landed cost calculation ensures customs compliance, preventing fines and operational disruption.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), the gold standard for cross-border eCommerce
The most successful eCommerce companies are turning to DDP, where the seller manages all costs and customs requirements, delivering a frictionless, all-inclusive experience for buyers:
- Transparent pricing: Customers see the total cost upfront, eliminating abandoned carts caused by unexpected charges at delivery.
- Trust and loyalty: DDP builds brand loyalty by providing a reliable, hassle-free journey.
- Operational efficiency: Handling customs in advance helps sellers and buyers avoid costs, delays, and complex returns.
- Competitive advantage: Offer a superior cross-border experience versus outdated DDU or DAP models.
Why Hurricane Commerce is the partner of choice
Successfully navigating this new regulatory world requires innovative, data-driven technology and real-time compliance, precisely what Hurricane Commerce Ltd delivers:
- Automated landed cost calculation: Real-time, accurate duty and sales tax calculations for transparent DDP checkout.
- Seamless compliance: Automated tariff updates, correct product classification, and complete customs data that meet global standards.
- Advanced AI screening: Proactive checks for prohibited and restricted goods, and denied parties, reducing compliance errors.
- Scenario planning: Model regulatory or tariff changes before they hit, optimise routes, and avoid at-risk lanes.
- Plug-and-play modular integration: Use duty/tax, compliance checks, denied party screening, or the full stack for faster onboarding and flexible scaling.
Results that speak volumes
- Increased sales conversion: Retailers using Hurricane’s duty calculators have seen up to 32% more conversions on international orders.
- Transparent landed costs: Minimise surprises, boost satisfaction.
- Faster customs clearance: Lower rates of shipments held by customs.
- Risk mitigation: Automated compliance reduces the risk of fines, seizures, and complaints.
Take control of your global success
The era of easy, duty-free cross-border eCommerce is over. Companies that act now, leveraging landed cost calculation, DDP shipping, and a proven compliance partner like Hurricane Commerce, will not just survive, they will lead the next wave of global eCommerce growth.
Prepare, pivot, and win with Hurricane Commerce, your trusted partner for compliant, profitable cross-border commerce in a world without de minimis.